The Minns Labor Government today announced two of the state’s key animal welfare organisations, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW and Animal Welfare League (AWL) NSW, will receive $12.8 million towards their enforcement and compliance activities to better protect cats, dogs, livestock and other animals across the state.
Over the past two financial years, the NSW Government has provided $25.3 million to these organisations to help them carry out animal welfare enforcement activities.
An additional $300,000 has been provided this financial year as part of the Minns Government’s continuing improvements to animal welfare standards across NSW.
The funds will support animal welfare inspectors who play a crucial role in enforcing the state’s animal welfare laws allowing them to investigate animal cruelty complaints, protect vulnerable animals from harm or distress and provide care and shelter for seized animals.
The NSW Government has introduced several measures to improve animal welfare including banning puppy farms, enhanced financial and performance reporting for the RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW, and reformed legislation to prevent people convicted of animal cruelty offences from keeping and breeding animals.
The Government also recently announced proposed new offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, tougher animal fighting laws and banning the use of painful dog prong collars.
The changes made by the Minns Government to animal welfare laws represent the most comprehensive reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years, recognising the need for modern legislation to align with community expectations.
The RSPCA and AWL funding applications were assessed in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Grants Administration Guide and recommended by an expert panel.
These grants support these organisations which carry out Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 enforcement and compliance activities for the current 2025-2026 financial year.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“We recognise the importance of the compliance work the Animal Welfare League NSW and RSPCA NSW deliver and value the long-standing relationships we have with them to achieve better outcomes for animals.
“The welfare of animals is a key priority for the NSW Government, and this substantial funding directly supports the vital work of our animal welfare partners on the ground.
“We continue to work with stakeholders, advocates and the community to improve animal welfare and to build a better and stronger framework of animal protection. “
Animal Welfare League NSW chief executive officer Stephen Albin said:
“We welcome the funding announcement for our Inspectorate Services that are playing a critical role in protecting animals and enforcing the laws to prevent cruelty.
“The funding will support our expansion of services in both the Sydney metropolitan area and regional centres.
“Our inspectors have received an increase in the number of cruelty complaints, and this funding will also assist us meet that demand.
“Every animal deserves to find a loving home; this funding and other government initiatives are assisting our team on the ground deliver on this mission.”