Opening Hours

Animal Viewing Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 3pm

General Hours: 
Most Days: 9am - 5pm
Wednesdays:  10am - 5pm
CLOSED: Sundays and Public Holidays

Our Inspectorate

RSPCA ACT Inspectorate

Our Inspectorate

RSPCA inspectors investigate complaints against all types of animals in all kinds of situations. The most common complaints are failure to provide adequate and proper food, shelter or veterinary treatment. Inspectors also investigate:

  • acts of intentional cruelty and harm
  • hoarders – people with more animals than they can look after
  • pet shops
  • abandoned animals

Our Inspectors are bound by the Animal Welfare Act 1992. For more information about the legislation please see here.

The map below demonstrates the number of reports from districts in the ACT that our Inspectors responded to in the 2016/17 financial year.

Map showing the number of reports from the districts of the ACT

 

How many RSPCA inspectors are there in ACT?

There are a team of people who work as the RSPCA ACT Inspectorate.

Do RSPCA ACT inspectors have any other roles in addition to enforcing the Animal Welfare Act 1992?

Not only do inspectors enforce the Animal Welfare Act they also deliver education to the community through presentations and targeted animal welfare advice when working with individual animal owners who are the subject of animal cruelty complaints. Where possible, our inspectors will work with animal owners to improve the welfare of animals in their care.

Can an Inspector go onto private property?

Yes, if they are invited, or if the court issues a warrant or the circumstances are serious and urgent. These circumstances may have to be proven in court – this is why we ask you to provide your name, address and contact details when lodging complaints of alleged animal cruelty.

What should I do if I witness animal cruelty?

If you witness any animal cruelty involving an animal, please:

Make a report online – http://www.rspca-act.org.au/contact/report_animal_cruelty

Or if you cannot report online please contact RSPCA ACT on 6287 8100 and select option 2.

If the situation is an emergency and it is after business hours, Monday to Friday, please contact Domestic Animal Services on 13 22 81 or the police on 131 444.

What happens after an animal is seized by an Inspector?

RSPCA ACT Inspectors may:

  • release the animal
  • release the animal with written directions to provide vet care, rest, food, water, shelter or treatment as is necessary in the interests of the animal’s welfare
  • prosecute the person under the Animal Welfare Act and keep the animal until the matter is decided by a court.

When an Animal Welfare Act offence is proved, RSPCA ACT can seek:

  • the costs associated with the care of the animal/s
  • an order banning the person from purchasing, acquiring, keeping caring or controlling any animal.