The Minns Labor Government has announced $12.8 million in funding for RSPCA NSW and Animal Welfare League NSW to strengthen animal welfare enforcement and compliance activities across the state.
The funding will support the organisations’ inspectorate services, enabling them to investigate cruelty complaints, enforce animal welfare laws, protect vulnerable animals from harm and provide care and shelter for animals that have been seized.
Over the past two financial years, the NSW Government has provided a total of $25.3 million to the two organisations to carry out enforcement activities. An additional $300,000 has also been allocated this financial year as part of ongoing reforms aimed at lifting animal welfare standards across NSW.
Animal welfare inspectors play a critical role in responding to reports of neglect and cruelty involving cats, dogs, livestock and other animals. The new funding will help meet rising demand, particularly as complaint numbers continue to increase in both metropolitan and regional areas.
The grants cover enforcement and compliance work under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 for the 2025–2026 financial year. Applications were assessed in line with the NSW Grants Administration Guide and reviewed by an expert panel.
The funding forms part of a broader package of reforms introduced by the Minns Government, described as the most comprehensive overhaul of NSW animal welfare laws in years.
Recent measures include banning puppy farms, stronger financial and performance reporting requirements for RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW, legislative reforms preventing individuals convicted of animal cruelty from keeping or breeding animals, proposed new offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, tougher animal fighting laws and a ban on the use of painful dog prong collars.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the funding recognises the essential compliance work delivered by both organisations.
“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,” she said.
Animal Welfare League NSW Chief Executive Officer Stephen Albin welcomed the announcement, noting the funding would assist the expansion of inspectorate services in Sydney 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,” he said.
With community expectations continuing to evolve, the latest funding injection aims to strengthen enforcement capacity and modernise the state’s animal protection framework, ensuring better outcomes for animals across NSW.
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