Inspectorate
investigating cruelty

RSPCA Tasmania’s Inspectors protect by investigating cruelty reports.

The RSPCA Tasmania Inspectorate receives approximately 3000 cruelty reports per year and is one of Tasmania’s leading animal welfare agencies, authorised to investigate animal cruelty. RSPCA Tasmania Inspectors are authorised to investigate animal cruelty reports in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and Cat Management 2009, however some reports are directed to other Government agencies. Please see below for further information:

If you think an animal’s life is in immediate danger, DO NOT make an online report.

Call RSPCA Tasmania on 1300 139 947 or Tas Police on 131 444

CRUELTY AND WELFARE CONCERNS

RSPCA Tasmania Inspectors are authorised to investigate animal cruelty and welfare concerns including:

Animals with insufficient food, water, and shelter.
Underweight or emaciated animals.
Abandoned animals.
Sick or Injured animals.
Puppy farms (illegal/over breeding)
Cruelty to an animal

DOGS IN HOT CARS

If you find a companion animal suffering unattended in a hot vehicle, please call Tas Police on 131 444 and the animal cruelty helpline on 1300 139 947.

BARKING DOGS

If a dog is constantly barking, please contact your local council. It is not an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 for dogs to be constantly barking. Animal Control Officers from your local council have authority to assist with these issues.

STRAY OR ROAMING ANIMALS

If you come across a stray or roaming animal, please contact your local council. Animal Control Officers from your local council have authority under the Local Government Act 1993 to impound stray animals, RSPCA Inspectors do not have this authority.

WILDLIFE

Any reports made concerning the welfare of wildlife will be transferred to the Department of natural Resources and Environment (Wildlife Services) for investigation.

NRE: 03 6165 4305 or enforcement 0417 661 234

LARGE NUMBERS OF LIVESTOCK (Including horses)

Any reports made concerning more than 5 head of livestock or 20 poultry will be transferred to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Biosecurity Tasmania) for investigation.

NRE: 1300 368 550

CAT MANAGEMENT

Any reports made concerning cat management and illegal breeding, including feral or stray cat colonies will be transferred to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Invasive Species) for investigation.

NRE: 03 6165 3777

LACK OF ATTENTION AND ENRICHMENT

RSPCA Tasmania advocates for and recommends that all companion animal owners provide physical and mental stimulation, however, unfortunately lack of enrichment is not an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and therefore cannot be investigated by our Inspectors. RSPCA Tasmania strives to educate pet owners about the importance of providing enrichment activities to ensure the best outcomes for animals. Many people may not be aware of the importance of enrichment.

If you have any other welfare or cruelty concern not listed above, please make a report to RSPCA Tasmania. Your report will be reviewed by our Inspectorate team for investigation, or if required, transferred to an alternative agency for investigation.

Have you been visited by an RSPCA Inspector? Have you received an orange RSPCA notification sticker?

RSPCA Inspectors will leave these notification stickers for a variety of reasons, and they are designed to alert the property owner that an inspector has attended.

When RSPCA receives a report about a concern for animal welfare, Inspectors are obligated to investigate to ensure any welfare issues are appropriately addressed. In some cases, it may be a false alarm, but our Inspectors will attend and make sure the animals are safe.

What do I do if I receive an orange RSPCA notification sticker?

Don’t panic!

It can be confronting or upsetting to receive a visit from RSPCA, but our Inspectors will ensure that the reason for the visit is explained to you.

If you receive a notification sticker, please contact the Inspector via the phone number provided within 24 hours. If the Inspector does not answer immediately, please leave a voicemail with your name, address and a contact number. There are several reasons why an inspector may not answer immediately, including responding to other welfare concerns.

An Inspector will get back to you as soon as they can to discuss the report and any welfare concerns if they exist.

Animal Welfare Act

RSPCA Tasmania will be visiting facilities to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare (Dog) Regs 2016.

Resources are made available to provide you a checklist in preparation for our visit.

DOWNLOAD ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR DOG FACILITIES