Report Cruelty

RSPCA WA receives and investigates complaints of animal cruelty and takes a lead role in animal welfare in Western Australia. When a cruelty complaint is made we will swiftly follow it up.

To investigate a cruelty complaint, RSPCA WA requires reasonable grounds to suspect that an animal cruelty offence has been committed. We need your contact details, including your full name, in case we need more information, but please be assured that any personal details you provide to us will remain confidential.

RSPCA WA receives around 19,000 cruelty reports a year. Once a report is received, it is assigned to an Inspector, and once an investigation is underway, we are unable to update you on the progress of your report.

RSPCA WA inspectors have the power to seize and care for any animal they believe is suffering. And in cases of extreme cruelty or neglect, we may prosecute the person or persons responsible.

Note: online complaints are not checked at the weekend. In an emergency call 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589)

RSPCA WA only has 11 inspectors to cover the whole state, which can limit our response to complaints in some instances. If an animal's life is in danger, community members can also contact the police who have the same powers to intervene as the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Stray and nuisance animals or noise complaints, for barking dogs, are the responsibility of the local government.