Animal welfare

Page last updated: Friday, 23 February 2024 - 12:18pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Animal welfare is important to Western Australians. The Western Australian Government recognises the value of animal welfare in our community and strives to ensure that all animals receive appropriate standards of care. As part of the Government’s commitment to animal welfare, administration of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (the Act) was transferred to the then-Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) from the Department of Local Government on 1 July 2011. On 1 July 2017, DAFWA became part of the larger Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The administration of the Act involves ensuring compliance by people in charge of animals with industry and community standards and where necessary enforcement actions if those standards are not being met. DPIRD also provides education to livestock owners and handlers with the aim of improving animal welfare.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Western Australia (RSPCA) general inspectors work collaboratively with the department in the area of compliance and enforcement. The RSPCA takes the lead in the area of companion animal welfare. The Western Australian Government supports the RSPCA in its work pursuing companion animal welfare compliance and responsible pet ownership through a funding grant.

The government, the community, and industry all have a role to play in the welfare of animals and it is by working together that we will achieve significant improvements to animal welfare in Western Australia.

Animal Welfare in Emergencies on-call Coordinator Contacts

Available 7am - 8pm Monday to Friday

Phone: (08) 9368 3132

Email: SAWEC@dpird.wa.gov.au

Further information on reporting animal cruelty is available.