Understanding our role in protecting animals across Tasmania.
Who We Are
- We share enforcement responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 with authorised officers from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.
- Our team includes 8 Animal Welfare Inspectors, funded by the Tasmanian Government.
- We answer 3000+ cruelty calls each year through the RSPCA Cruelty Helpline.
- We care for seized animals at our Animal Care Centre 365 days a year.
- We operate the Safe Beds and Microloan programs for people who need care for their animals in emergencies. We have also developed a national program named READY, PET, GO! providing invaluable advice and materials for people with companion animals in emergency planning.
What We Do
Investigate Cruelty
- Inspectors respond to reports of cruelty and neglect.
- We can seize animals and prepare cases for prosecution.
Care & Rehome
- Provide vet care, rehabilitation and enrichment.
- Rehome animals once legal processes are complete.
Support & Advocate
- Community programs: Safe Beds, micro-loans, education.
- Policy work to improve animal welfare laws in Tasmania.
What We Don’t Do
Not RSPCA
- Stray or roaming dogs
- Dog registration or microchips
- Cat management under local by-laws
- Wildlife issues (injured birds, possums, wallabies, etc.)
- General animal control
- Take the lead investigation on commercial quantities of animals, including horses
Who Is Responsible
- Your local Council – for stray/roaming dogs, dog registration, local cat management.
- Biosecurity Tasmania / DPIPWE – for wildlife, commercial quantities of farm animals, biosecurity issues.
Support & Advocate
- Community programs: Safe Beds, micro-loans, education.
- Policy work to improve animal welfare laws in Tasmania.
How We Are Funded
- Government Grant – Inspectors, Helpline and Emergency Planning for Animals: READY, PET, GO! – Funds our 8 inspectors and the Cruelty Helpline, plus Safe Beds and READY, PET, GO!
- Donations & Fundraising – Animal Care – Pay for community surrenders, vet care, food, bedding, rehabilitation, facilities, administration.
- Bequests – Our Future – Support major projects & long-term sustainability.
- Fees & Services – Small Contribution – Adoption fees & merchandise cover only a fraction of costs.
- Our Community helps us funds the gaps remaining to support animals in our care.
Why Your Support Matters
Your donations mean:
- Animals in cruelty cases receive a safe place to heal.
- We can investigate more cruelty reports across Tasmania.
- We can support people and their animals through crisis programs like Safe Beds.
- We can stand up for better laws that protect animals for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACT
Andrea Dawkins, CEO – RSPCA Tasmania
Mobile: 0438 346 445
Email: adawkins@rspcatas.org.au
