Following a recent spike in the activity of concerned community members regarding animal welfare, RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker said she understood people’s frustration when animal cruelty investigations were complex, and outcomes were not immediate, or to their satisfaction. 

“At RSPCA Victoria we care about animals – they are at the core of everything we do, and we know Victorian’s love their pets too,” Dr Walker said. 

“We know animal cruelty issues evoke strong responses from our community and we truly value the shared passion and concern people have for animals. This is demonstrated each year through the more than 10,000 animal cruelty reports we receive.  

“We absolutely share this commitment and are dedicated to ending cruelty to all animals. Our work in animal welfare goes beyond the work of the Inspectorate. We are active in advocacy, influencing public policy and providing education and support to professionals and the broader community.  

“We understand seeing images or footage of an animal suffering online can be incredibly distressing and motivate people to action, however; it’s vital the community remember they are not privy to, nor do they have a full understanding of, the actions our authorised officers can take under Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Act (1986) (POCTAA), or our process to enforce the legislation, and the particulars of each case.  

“We are unable to provide details of investigations which are active and ongoing. The release of case particulars can significantly impact any prosecution process under POCTAA and our ability to hold perpetrators to account in the long run. When an investigation is closed or reaches the conclusion of prosecution, we are willing and able to provide more information on the investigation and process that was followed.  

“Online harassment campaigns, doxxing, threats and physical harassment, are not only illegal; this behaviour can also deeply harm the mental health and safety of those targeted, particularly if they are already vulnerable or struggling. This includes our Inspectors as well as people involved in the case. Online abuse and inflammatory media can have a lasting impact on the people involved.  

“There is a belief that online campaigns and the presence of community at private properties monitoring active investigations hastens outcomes, but in so many cases it has the opposite effect. Important services required to attend to animals during investigations, including veterinarians, are often hesitant to engage in cases and attend properties where they may be filmed or monitored – delaying outcomes and interfering with our enforcement.  

“Actions such as online harassment campaigns, or the online proliferation of outdated or incorrect information can cause significant distress, risk people’s safety, and can undermine the very legal processes designed to protect animals. Our Inspectors have limited emergency access powers under the legislation and often access to examine vulnerable animals is only possible through the cooperation of its owner.  These campaigns, though well intentioned, can and do compromise this access, often stalling positive outcomes for the animals in need. 

“We recognise there are often expectations from the community for our Inspectors to immediately seize any animal they express concern about, but this is not always possible. Our Inspectors are only authorised to act within the legislation as it currently stands, not what we, or the community, would like it to be.

“Every animal cruelty report our Inspectorate receives is assessed, triaged and action taken within their authorisation under POCTAA. Each of our Inspectors are authorised officers under POCTAA and have extensive experience and expertise navigating and enforcing this legislation. In all animal cruelty cases, our Inspectors are doing everything within their authorisation.  

“Our Inspectors are some of the hardest-working enforcement officers in the animal welfare sector. Despite being routinely confronted by animals suffering in utterly horrific conditions, they turn up day after day because they care about animals. I, along with all of RSPCA Victoria are proud of our Inspectorate team. They deserve to be treated with respect and understanding, as do all people involved in these matters. 

“We urge the community to work with us and for due process to be respected; to allow for every investigation to be carried out thoroughly, lawfully, and without hinderance. 

“We will continue to advocate for the introduction of updated laws (the Animal Care and Protection Bill) in the hope this will provide greater protections for animal welfare, meeting community expectations on minimum standards for the care of animals. 

“The government continues to contribute funds in support of our Inspectorate work across Victoria and we are incredibly grateful to our supporters who generously fund the care of animals coming into our shelter.   

“RSPCA Victoria investigate and prosecute more animal welfare cases under POCTAA than any other authorised agency in the state. Animal welfare and holding perpetrators to account is and will remain our priority.  

“It’s vital all animal cruelty reports are provided to RSPCA Victoria via the Inspectorate to ensure appropriate triaging and case management. We discourage people from taking matters into their own hands. We encourage people who are making a cruelty report to abide by all applicable laws and prioritise their safety when acting in the interests of animal welfare.” 

To find out how to make an animal cruelty report, visit RSPCA Victoria.