Inspectorate
If you've ever seen an episode of RSPCA Animal Rescue then you will know that there is no such thing as a typical day for an RSPCA Inspector. There's also no such thing as an easy day for an RSPCA Inspector. Their job is tough. They are often dealing with the worst side of human nature and we certainly take our hats off to them.
The RSPCA has 84 Inspectors throughout Australia. RSPCA Inspectors are our uniformed representatives. They are each trained in the area of animal welfare and in the enforcement of prevention of cruelty to animal legislation.
Every year, RSPCA Inspectors investigate around 50,000 complaints of cruelty and neglect. These could include offences against farm animals, companion animals, pets and wildlife. View the RSPCA's Annual National Statistics for 2009-2010 here.
The Inspectors' primary role is:
- To investigate complaints of cruelty and neglect;
- To provide guidance and education to animal owners where necessary;
- To initiate prosecutions for offences;
- To attend to sick and injured stray animals or those that have been abandoned; and
- To carry out regular inspections of saleyards, pet shops, abattoirs, livestock export operations, animal boarding and breeding establishments, intensive and non-traditional farms, and all places where animals are kept and used for public entertainment.
The Inspectorate plays a vital role within the RSPCA and maintaining their presence is essential in providing continuity of animal welfare services to the community. Unfortunately it costs a lot to maintain this service. The associated costs of funding just one RSPCA Inspector can be as much as $100,000 each year, which constitutes a large part of each Society's annual budget. While each state and territory RSPCA struggles to raise enough funds for its existing Inspectors, the sad reality is that, more Inspectors are desperately needed.
If you would like to register a complaint regarding the ill treatment of an animal please contact your nearest RSPCA shelter. To find out detailed information about the work of the RSPCA Inspectors in your area, please refer to your local RSPCA state or territory.