The Minns Labor Government has announced that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW and Animal Welfare League (AWL) NSW will receive $12.8 million to strengthen enforcement and compliance activities, aimed at better protecting cats, dogs, livestock, and other animals across the state. This investment builds on $25.3 million provided over the past two financial years and includes an additional $300,000 for the current financial year to continue improving animal welfare standards in NSW.
The funding will support animal welfare inspectors, enabling them to investigate cruelty complaints, protect vulnerable animals, and provide care and shelter for seized animals. These measures complement broader reforms introduced by the Minns Government, such as banning puppy farms, implementing tougher reporting requirements for RSPCA and AWL, and restricting convicted offenders from keeping or breeding animals. Additional proposed reforms include new offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, stricter animal fighting laws, and banning painful prong collars for dogs.
These legislative changes represent the most comprehensive update to NSW’s animal welfare laws in years, reflecting the government’s commitment to align regulations with community expectations. Funding applications for RSPCA and AWL were assessed according to the NSW Grants Administration Guide and recommended by an expert panel, supporting enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 for the 2025-2026 financial year.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty emphasized the importance of the funding, noting that it strengthens the critical work of animal welfare partners and reinforces the government’s ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, advocates, and the community to improve protection for animals. AWL NSW CEO Stephen Albin welcomed the funding, highlighting its role in expanding Inspectorate Services across metropolitan and regional areas, meeting increased demand, and helping the organization continue its mission of ensuring every animal finds a loving home.
