Key dates Since 1892, RSPCA WA in its various forms has continued to advocate for better welfare of animals in Western Australia. Expand 2 February 1892 Members of the St George's Reading Society in Perth resolved to form an SPCA. 2 August 1892 Society formally constituted under the name The West Australian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 11 August 1914 Society registered under the Associations Incorporation Act 1895 - name changed to The WA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Incorporated). 25 September 1920 Becomes The WA Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Incorporated) after King George V offered Royal Patronage - the first Society outside of the UK to enjoy Royal Patronage. 21 June 1950 Becomes The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Western Australia (Incorporated) May 1998 First Million Paws Walk - event has now become the RSPCA's biggest annual fundraising event. Funds raised contributed to the construction of a dedicated animal shelter in Malaga, which has provided the RSPCA with the ability to find new homes for thousands of neglected, abused and abandoned animals. 17 October 1999 Malaga Animal Welfare Centre Ground Breaking Ceremony by the Governor Major-General Michael Jeffrey. 25 June 2000 Official opening by Premier Richard Court of Stage Two of the Centre including dog exercise yards. 2001 State Government honours promise to introduce new animal welfare legislation and to provide a recurring grant of $250,000 per year to the Society (raised to $500,000 in 2011). 24 July 2018 RSPCA WA is registered as a public company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
Inspectors and Legislation With only one salaried Inspector in 1894, meeting the needs of the community was often arduous and the inspector's lifestyle tiring. Expand Titus Lander held this position until 1911 when he was elected to Parliament for the Labor-held seat of East Perth, later presenting the first animal welfare bill in Parliament. He also established a Lethal Chamber at his Highgate house in 1907, in order to ensure stray cats and dogs were put down humanely instead of roaming and scavenging, facing further pain and misery. A second RSPCA Inspector, Lachlan Bates, was appointed in 1906 to work the Eastern Goldfields. The authority of RSPCA Inspectors today is much stronger than that of their counterparts in the early days as a result of changes to laws governing the Society. These original laws were the Police Act (55th Vict.) and the Dog Act (47th Vict.) which saw maximum penalties for animal cruelty set at £10 or three months imprisonment. These laws also required RSPCA Inspectors to be accompanied by police officers to enter properties or make arrests as they did not hold those powers themselves. The first Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (WA) passed in 1912 and was updated in 1920. The Dog Act (WA) was introduced in 1976 to amend and consolidate the law relating to the control and registration of dog ownership. In 1980, the RSPCA advised dog ear tattoos for easier identification and also suggested that maximum penalties for animal cruelty be increased through the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (WA) was instituted in 1988.
The Early Days The Western Australian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now RSPCA WA) was established on 2 August 1892 by a reading circle of female friends, with a membership fee of one shilling. Expand The Society was an initiative of Miss Best, a teacher from the St George's School in Perth, who was joined by Mrs Ethel Burt, Mrs Edith Cowan (pictured right), Mrs Madeline Onslow and Miss Wigglesworth to form its first committee. His Excellency the Governor, Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson, became Patron of the RSPCA in 1893. To this day, the State's Governors give their patronage to the Society. RSPCA WA continues to uphold the original objectives set out by its first committee, to: Prevent cruelty to animals by enforcing the existing law Establish further legislation to protect animals Educate the public in responsible animal care.
How do I report animal cruelty? Expand If you witness an act of animal cruelty, please call the RSPCA WA’s cruelty hotline on 1300 278 358. You can also complete an online report here. We ask you to provide as much information as possible, but rest assured, your details will remain confidential.
Who is RSPCA WA? Expand The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Western Australia (RSPCA WA) is a non-government, community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. We are a registered company limited by guarantee, and we're registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). You can find out more about us here, including what we do, our history and links to our annual reports.
What are RSPCA WA's goals? Expand Our vision is for communities free from animal cruelty. Our mission is to improve the welfare of animals and ensure they are treated with dignity, compassion and respect by providing leadership and quality services in collaboration with our stakeholders. Our work is guided by the Five Domains for Animals.
Why is RSPCA not a vegetarian or vegan organisation? Expand The RSPCA respects freedom of choice and diversity. Our key mission is to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. We aspire to educate and raise awareness on issues such as inhumane killing of livestock, responsible pet ownership, ethical consumer choices, etc. and we strive to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve this. While the farming of animals for food and fibre continues, the RSPCA seeks to ensure that the conditions under which those animals live meet their physical and behavioural needs. The RSPCA believes we can help improve how farm animals are treated by getting involved in the process and constantly pushing for higher production standards along the supply chain. We do this at government, industry and producer level. The RSPCA encourages people who do consume meat, eggs, milk and other animal products to make a higher welfare choice, and to help them do this the RSPCA aims to ensure that higher welfare alternatives are readily available on the supermarket shelf.
What is RSPCA’s position on halal? Expand In Australia, the national standard for meat production requires that all animals must be effectively stunned prior to slaughter. The vast majority of halal slaughter in Australia (including at export abattoirs) complies with this standard, that is, all animals are stunned prior to slaughter. RSPCA is strongly opposed to all forms of slaughter that do not involve prior stunning of the animal. RSPCA Knowledgebase - What is Halal slaughter in Australia?
Why does the RSPCA WA euthanise animals? Expand Our main concern is always for the welfare of animals in our care, and their quality of life. Sadly, many of the animals who come in to RSPCA WA’s care are coming in as a result of a cruelty complaint. This means, they are often suffering from medical conditions, which require treatment from a veterinarian, or behaviour issues—often as a result of neglect and lack of appropriate socialisation. RSPCA WA vets have to make some very difficult and sad decisions regarding some of the animals who come into our care. Euthanasia is always a last resort, and considered only once every reasonable effort has been made to treat an animal’s medical condition or behavioural concern. Where an animal’s quality of life is compromised to the point that their suffering or distress can no longer be alleviated, or if they have demonstrated that they pose a significant risk to themselves, or other animals or people if released into the community, the most humane course of action might be euthanasia. Decisions around euthanasia are never made lightly. A panel of staff members meets regularly to discuss the animals in care, and to address any concerns about a particular animal’s health or behaviour. In some cases, an external specialist will be consulted as part of the decision-making process to ensure that all reasonable courses of action have been considered. RSPCA WA staff and volunteers work with these animals every day, trying to help them recover from their ordeals. Having to make the difficult decision about ending an animal’s life has an emotional impact on everyone at RSPCA WA. For many of the animals whose lives end with us, our staff and volunteers may be the only people who’ve ever really shown them love and compassion.
How is RSPCA WA funded? Expand RSPCA WA is a non-government, community based charity. We rely on the generous support of the community to survive. More than 90 per cent of the funding we need to carry out our animal protection work comes from the community. Less than 10% of our funding is provided by a grant from the State Government. The government funding we do receive is allocated to cover a portion of the costs of enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and education on companion animals. We are so thankful to the generous and caring individuals and organisations who donate so we can continue helping animals through caring for animals in our shelter, rehabilitation and finding new homes for them, keeping Inspectors on the road responding to cruelty reports, foster care and volunteer programs, and community education to continue to improve the lives of all animals, great and small. Read about our impact on animal welfare.
Why doesn't RSPCA push for harsher penalties in prosecution cases? Expand RSPCA WA Inspectorate is authorised to protect animals from cruelty and neglect by enforcing the existing law within the framework of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. The role of the RSPCA is to bring these cases to court for consideration by a magistrate. As with any crime, it is the judicial system that decides the penalty they believe is suitable for the crime, based upon the facts presented. The maximum penalties for animal cruelty, prescribed under Section 19 of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 in WA include a maximum jail sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $50,000. The magistrate may also order an offender to reimburse legal, veterinary care or other costs, and may also apply a prohibition from owning, being in control of, or having any contact with animals for a period of time. Read the Animal Welfare Act 2002
What should I do if I see a dog in a hot car? Expand We encourage you to attempt to get the owner back to the car as quickly as possible (i.e. in a shopping centre get centre management to page the owner of the vehicle noting the registration number) to let the animal out. If this is not possible, please contact RSPCA WA on 1300 278 358 or the Police on 131 444. Alternatively, you can call the local Ranger. If the dog is visibly distressed, stay with the vehicle and monitor the dog until help arrives. Dogs in Hot Cars
Where can I find out what RSPCA's position is on certain animal welfare issues? Expand RSPCA Australia’s Knowledge Base is an informative online resource that contains a wealth of information on a wide range of animal welfare related topics and issues. Visit the RSPCA Knowledge Base
Where can I get my pet microchipped? Expand Please note: RSPCA WA is only licensed to perform veterinary services for animals in our care, or those recently adopted from us who require ongoing vet treatment. If you need to have your pet micro-chipped, take your pet to your local vet. Vetwest is a supporter of RSPCA WA, and has a number clinics throughout the Perth metropolitan area. If you cannot get to a vet, contact a mobile micro-chipping service, or a vet that offers home visits. Sandy's Mobile Microchipping - call on 0412 500 553 * Please note, RSPCA WA does not accredit or endorse the businesses listed on this page. These business details are provided as information only.
I've lost my pet - what should I do? Expand Losing your pet can be worrying time for you and your family. If your pet has gone missing, please try the following: Call your local government rangers. If you are near the border of two local government areas, contact both. Local government rangers are there officially to assist in matters regarding lost and stray animals. Call the local vet clinics and hospitals, even if the animal is microchipped. It is rare, but sometimes chips do fail and they may not know who to contact about the pet. Put a post in the Facebook group Pets of Perth – Lost & Found. It has over 78,000 members and has helped to reunite many lost pets with their owners. If you live in the Joondalup local government area, contact the RSPCA shelter on 9209 9323. If your animal has been found ill or injured in Joondalup, it may have been brought here. We also have a lost pet registry where you can provide details of your missing pet. (RSPCA WA provides pound services to the City of Joondalup only). To provide yourself with the best opportunity of being reunited with a lost pet, please ensure the animal is microchipped, registered, and has shire tags and owner contact tags on its collar. We would also recommend ensuring that microchip contact details are kept up to date. If you need to check the details currently listed for your pet's microchip, your vet should be able to scan your pet for free and provide the information. Call in advance to request this service.
Why should I sterilise or desex my pet? Pet sterilisation is the most effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and has other health, social and financial benefits. Expand Pet sterilisation is the most effective strategy to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The RSPCA receives over 125,000 animals every year and many of these unwanted animals are the result of unplanned breeding. Desexing your pet helps to ensure fewer unwanted and homeless animals, and research shows that sterilised animals can actually live longer and healthier lives. There are many health, financial and social benefits for you and your pets, too. Health benefits of pet sterilisation Desexing your pet can reduce the risks of some potentially serious health problems. Desexed pets are less likely to get malignant cancer in organs such as the testes, ovaries, cervix or uterus. Sterilisation of female dogs can prevent infection of the uterus (pyometra), which is where the uterus fills with pus. This is common in older, entire females. Desexing your cats and dogs eliminates the risks involved with your pet being pregnant, giving birth, and raising young. Risks include: eclampsia in which the mother’s calcium levels become dangerously low causing weakness, muscle tremors, and even seizures loss of the foetuses which can also result in severe infection if the dead foetuses are retained in the uterus a difficult birth (called dystocia), which can be due to problems with the mother or young and is generally due to either obstruction of the birth canal or a problem with the uterine muscle that makes the muscle unable to contract well enough to push the young out of the uterus. these complications may result in your pet needing a c-section where the young are removed from the uterus surgically by a veterinarian. Desexing female dogs prevents 'false pregnancy syndrome' Desexing male dogs prevents some serious diseases like prostatic infection and perineal hernia. Social benefits of pet sterilisation Desexing your pet can reduce some social problems associated with un-sterilised animals. Sterilised animals are less likely to scent mark by urinating on things, compared to undesexed animals. Desexing your pets prevents behaviours associated with the reproductive cycle that can be distressing, unpleasant, and tiresome to deal with. For example, female cats ‘calling’ or female dogs having a blood vaginal discharge when they are on heat/in season and male dogs attempting vigorously to get to females in heat. Sterilised animals are less likely to roam, reducing the risk being involved in a traumatic accident such as being hit by a car, getting into fights, and being exposed to infectious disease through fighting. Desexed animals are less likely to show aggressive behaviour. This means they are less likely to fight with other animals in your household and the neighbourhood. Financial benefits of pet sterilisation Sterilising your pets can save you money, too. Reduced costs of pet care, especially costs associated with pet pregancy and neo-natal care of puppies and kittens Avoiding costs of injury associated with traumatic accidents, fighting and treating infectious diseases Discount on pet registration fees with your local council. Some councils offer lifetime or discounted pet registration only if your pet is sterilised.
Is pet sterilisation required by law in Western Australia? All cats over 6 months are required by law to be sterilised. Under new laws, dogs over 2 years will be required to be sterilised. Expand Section 18 of the Cat Act 2011 mandates that all cats over six months of age must be sterilised. By law, they also must be microchipped and registered with your local government. With the passing of the Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Bill 2021, unless exempt, all dog owners will be required to sterilise their dog by the time they reach two years of age.
I have found a litter of stray kittens. What should I do? Expand If you find a litter of kittens, please leave them where they are. Their mother might have heard you coming, so you can't see her, but she's probably hiding somewhere nearby. Kittens have the best chance of survival if they are with their mother, especially if they are very young. If you are sure their mother is not around, and the kittens are too young to survive on their own (e.g. their eyes are still closed and their ears are pinned down), or if they appear in need of urgent medical treatment, call the RSPCA Welfare Hotline on 1300 278 358. If you are nearby, you can bring them to the RSPCA Animal Care Centre in Malaga. If the kittens are a little older and appear healthy, please contact your local city or shire rangers. Your local government is responsible for lost or stray cats under the Cat Act 2011. You could also contact one of the many cat rescue groups who will be able to find loving permanent homes for them: Cat Haven 08 9442 3600 9 Lives Cat Rescue 0408 567 204 Perth Animal Rescue 0416 020 974 Impound Feline Rescue 0497 898 769 Paws Cat Rescue 0414 876 235 Small Paws Rescue 0403 367 265 Mad Catters Rescue [email protected] Perth Rescue Angels [email protected]
What's involved in sterilising my pet? Pet sterilisation involves a surgical operation to remove the reproductive organs of your pet to prevent breeding. Expand Sterilising (also referred to as spaying, neutering or desexing) is the process of a qualified veterinarian removing an animal's reproductive organs to prevent breeding. For male cats and dogs, vets make a small incision on or near the scrotum, gently squeeze the testicles, and remove them. This process is commonly called castration or neutering. For female cats and dogs, vets make a fine incision along the animal's abdomen and remove their uterus and ovaries. This process is commonly referred to as spaying. While sterilisation is mostly done to cats and dogs, RSPCA recommends sterilising rabbits, too. The above processes require a general anaesthetic and surgery. However, pet sterilisation is a common procedure, is relatively quick and minimally invasive. Your pet should make a full recovery in a matter of days. Your veterinarian will provide detailed information relative to your pet, and they will advise post-operative care instructions for when you take your pet home.
Isn't it better to leave my pet the way nature intended? Sexual hormones in pets can create behaviours that are socially unacceptable, like spraying, roaming and aggression. Expand Sexual hormones in pets can create behaviours that are considered unacceptable. These include: mating with other animals spraying or urine marking aggressive behaviour roaming These are all natural behaviours of animals, and pet sterilisation may help to prevent them. There are also many health and financial benefits to sterilising your pets.
Will my pet gain weight after desexing? It is important to feed and exercise your pet appropriately to maintain good health. Expand Sterilising your pet does not mean they will automatically put on weight. Animals who are not sterilised can have higher nutritional requirements than desexed pets. It is important to manage your pet's weight by feeding them the appropriate amount of nutritional food, combined with appropriate exercise. Your vet will be able to provide guidance on proper diet and exercise for your pet.
At what age should I get my pet sterilised? The best age to sterilise your pet depends on a number of factors including your pet's breed, your circumstances and general advice. Expand Cats can become pregnant as early as 4 months old, so RSPCA recommends getting your cat desexed early, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. RSPCA WA sterilised kittens from 8 weeks old. Dogs can become pregnant as early as 6 months old. While RSPCA recommends early sterilisation for dogs, your vet will be able to provide the best advice for your circumstances, and your particular dog. Your vet will factor in general desexing advice and any breed-related considerations. In Western Australia, sterilisation of cats is mandatory by 6-months old, under section 18 of the Cat Act 2011. When the Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Bill 2021 becomes law, it will be mandatory to sterilise your dog by the time they are 2-years-old, unless they are exempt.
Will pet sterilisation hurt my pet? Sterilisation operations are performed under anaesthesia to prevent your pet feeling any discomfort. Expand Your pet dog or cat will experience minimal discomfort during their desexing surgical procedure. Medications for anaesthesia and pain management during the procedure are used. Your vet will provide pain relief medication to continue giving your pet while they recover at home post-surgery.
Greg Paust Director. Since 2018, Greg Paust has been the Managing Partner of Miniritchie Farm, a small farming business that produces wool and meat. Expand Greg has extensive experience at a senior level in government. Previous roles include Director of Business and Corporate Services at ChemCentre for more than 2 years; Deputy Director General at the Department of Agriculture and Food for 5 years and senior positions in the Department of Fisheries for more than 5 years. Greg has a strong interest in sustainable primary industry development and government policy as it affects the sector. Greg holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science Degree and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Australia. He also has completed the AICD Directors program. Greg has a Kelpie - Meg who assists him with sheep operations on the farm.