RSPCA animal welfare inspectors set to double with more core government funding

The number of RSPCA Tasmania animal welfare inspectors on the ground across the state is set to double, following a budget commitment from the Tasmanian Government announced on 2 March.

The commitment specified an additional $800,000 per year, or $3.2 million over four years, to increase resourcing for the RSPCA’s Animal Cruelty Inspectorate.

This is in addition to the existing core government annual funding of $550,000, equating to a total of $1.35 million per annum.

RSPCA Tasmania Chief Advocate Jan Davis said the announcement represented a long-overdue and much needed focus on animal welfare in the state.

“This is the first ongoing funding increase we’ve seen in many years, and it will enable us to better meet community expectations, as demand for our services continues to increase,” Ms Davis said.

“Not only will this significant funding uplift enable us to double the number of animal welfare inspectors across the state, but it will also provide improved safety and management tools for the on-ground team.”

The announcement also includes a commitment of $75,000 per year to expand the RSPCA’s Safe Beds program, also in high demand.

Ms Davis said the program funding boost would help provide certainty and security for the service, enabling the organisation to support more Tasmanians and their furry family members when they faced unexpected challenges.

“We know that keeping people together with their pets during times of stress is one of the most effective ways we can help them to manage difficult situations,” she said.

“We also know that animals are central to people’s health and wellbeing, and our Safe Beds program is dedicated to ensuring they can stay with their pets though their toughest times.”

Ms Davis said independent research shows that the vast majority of Tasmanians believe animal welfare is important, or extremely important. This funding announcement confirms the Liberal government’s recognition of the community’s concerns.

“While RSPCA Tasmania will continue to rely on the community for most of the funding needed to carry out our critical work, we are incredibly grateful for this government support, enabling us to expand our services to help both more animals in need and the people who love them.”