The role of government groups-inspectors and rangers

Australian Animal Welfare Strategy

The AAWS was set up to guide the development of new, nationally consistent policies and will enhance existing animal welfare arrangements in all Australian states and territories.

The strategy covers the humane treatment of all animals in Australia including:

  • livestock/production animals
  • animals used for work, sport, recreation or display
  • companion animals
  • animals in the wild
  • aquatic animals, and
  • animals used in research and for teaching purposes.

The strategy was developed over five years by the Australian Government with assistance from the National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare, in consultation with state and territory governments, animal industry organisations, animal welfare groups, and the general public.

The goals, objectives, and activities outlined in their strategy are based on science, national and international benchmarks, and social and economic considerations.

The strategy is for the entire Australian community including animal owners, the veterinary profession, livestock producers, processors, transporters, animal welfare bodies, researchers, consumers, and government agencies.

Councils

Local councils are responsible for many aspects of your local area.

One of the things they are responsible for is the welfare of the community and the regulation of dogs and cats.

A council animal control officer’s job is to help the community and keep the community safe by helping to keep pets and people safe.

Animal Control Officers and rangers investigate complaints about animals and use special dog catching equipment when necessary.

When a stray dog is seized, it is much easier to contact the owner if it has a registration tag and microchip. No registration or microchip makes it very hard for the council to locate the animal’s owner.

Animal control officers and rangers also act on reports of dangerous dogs in your community.

DPI&F

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has the power to appoint inspectors from the DPI&F and RSPCA.

Inspector appointments are subject to strict training requirements and all DPI&F and RSPCA inspectors have successfully completed the same Animal Care & Protection Act (ACPA) training program.

Inspectors also receive on-going training in key competency areas as part of their skills development.

The functions of inspectors are to investigate complaints about animal care or cruelty and to ensure compliance with the ACPA.

Inspectors also have a key role in educating animal users about their responsibilities and in promoting the ACPA and other agreed animal welfare standards.

The DPI&F has about 110 officers appointed as animal welfare inspectors under the ACPA. They are located throughout Queensland.

RSPCA inspectors

The RSPCA plays a major role in enforcing the ACPA and in delivering many other animal welfare services in Queensland.

The RSPCA has about 15 full-time inspectors located primarily in coastal and urban areas.

Their main responsibility is to enforce the ACPA in urban, semi-rural and rural areas.

Their role takes in:

  • companion animals
  • riding schools
  • pet shops
  • other types of animal use where the keeping of livestock is not the primary business