Funding boost for animal welfare

THE New South Wales Government has announced funding of $12.5 million to two of the state’s key animal welfare organisations.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals NSW (RSPCA) and the Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL) will receive funding for their enforcement and compliance activities to protect cats, dogs, livestock, and other animals.

As part of the NSW government’s election commitment to establish a modern, fit-for-purpose animal welfare framework, the announced grants will support the RSPCA NSW with $11.3 million and the AWL NSW with $1.17 million.

The funding exceeds that of any other state or territory in the charitable animal welfare space and will support animal welfare inspectors who play a key role in enforcing animal welfare laws and investigating animal cruelty complaints to protect vulnerable animals from harm.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the NSW government was committed to improving animal welfare standards across the state.

“We will continue to work with stakeholders, advocates, and the community to improve animal welfare and to build a better and stronger framework of animal protection.

“We recognise the compliance work the Animal Welfare League and RSPCA do and value the long-standing relationships we have with them to achieve better outcomes for the animals of NSW.”

The new funding will also enhance enforcement action on those guilty of harming animals, provide a one-off upgrade to AWL operating systems for streamlined compliance data and reporting, and cover vehicle operating and legal expenses.

The grants will support approved charitable organisations to enforce and comply with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 for the 2024/25 financial year.

Recent government animal welfare initiatives also include the introduction of new ‘fit and proper’ laws preventing people convicted of repeat animal cruelty offences from keeping or breeding animals and banning puppy farming.

For more information, head to awlnsw.com.au/north-coast