The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Western Australia is a non-government, community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.
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 (the first woman elected to an Australian parliament), 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 provide patronage to the Society.
What are RSPCA WA's goals?
Freedom from hunger and thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet that maintains full health and vigour.
Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention through rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals own kind.
How many RSPCA locations are there in Australia?
Q1: Why is RSPCA not a vegetarian or vegan organisation?
A: 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.
Q2: What is RSPCA’s position on halal?
Q3: Why does the RSPCA WA euthanise animals?
RSPCA WA doesn’t take the issue of euthanasia lightly and does not under any circumstance euthanise any animal on economic grounds. As we do not turn away any animal that is sick or injured we often receive animals that have horrific injuries and in some cases it is kinder for the animal to be euthanised if by keeping it alive means further pain and suffering with no quality of life.
Animals that enter our care often have faced serious neglect or may have had horrible things done to them by humans, and as such may have severe trust issues which may manifest into aggression towards other animals or humans. On occasions, animals with severe behavioural issues who pose a risk of harming either another animal or human will be euthanised.
Employees at the RSPCA love and respect animals and are passionate about animal welfare and do everything possible to rehome suitable animals.
Q4: Why does RSPCA WA need public donations?
The government funding we receive is committed to the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and education on companion animals.
We are so thankful to the generous and caring individuals and organisations that donate so we can continue helping animals through caring for animals in our shelter, rehabilitation and finding new homes for them 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.
Q5: Why doesn’t RSPCA WA push for harsher penalties in prosecution cases?
A: 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.
The maximum penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 in WA include a maximum jail sentence of five years and a fine of $50,000.
Q6: What should I do if I see a dog left in a hot car?
A. 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 3589 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.
Where can I find out more about what the RSPCA WA’s position is on an animal welfare issue?
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.