About RSPCA Queensland
Who is RSPCA Queensland?
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland Inc. is the state's leading animal welfare authority. It is also the oldest animal welfare authority in Queensland. The Society is a non-government, registered animal welfare charity and is only one of three organisations within Queensland that can enforce the 2001 Animal Care and Protection Act.
RSPCA QLD Inc. is a member of RSPCA Australia and our welfare philosophy is grounded in the belief that the welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state and that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of wellbeing. The RSPCA considers that an animal's welfare should be considered in terms of five freedoms:
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst
- Freedom from Discomfort
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease
- Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour
- Freedom from Fear and Distress
The RSPCA QLD Inc. supports these freedoms through the following areas of operation: Shelters, Inspectorate, Animal Ambulance, Veterinary Services, Behaviour Assessment, Cruelty Case Enrichment, Lost and Found service, Volunteer program, Education program, Bequest and Pet Legacy program, Fundraising, Animal Training Centres, Publicity and Campaign promotion.
RSPCA QLD Inc. was also involved with child welfare for many decades and in its early days played a major role in developing the original Children's Protection Act of 1892. The RSPCA considers its work still relates to child welfare, due to statistical links in the UK and USA between animal cruelty and domestic violence, child abuse and other criminal activity. The RSPCA's efforts to reach potential animal cruelty offenders through humane education and the enforcement of anti-cruelty laws may help stem the cycle of violence to animals and ultimately to people.
RSPCA QLD aims to actively encourage community participation in its programs and relies heavily on volunteers to help run its programs and shelters effectively.