100 years of protecting animals in Queensland

It’s been one century since the Animals Protection Act 1925 came into effect.

The landmark legislation granted RSPCA Inspectors the legal powers to protect animals from cruelty and enforce welfare standards across Queensland.

Although our Society was founded in 1883, it wasn’t until the 1925 Act that our Inspectors were granted authority to enter properties, seize mistreated animals, and bring offenders to justice, a turning point that forever changed animal welfare in Queensland.

Since the turn of this century, our digital records show more than 342,000 animal welfare reports, with Inspectors responding to around 13,000 complaints each year. Their work continues to uphold the legacy of the early pioneers who fought for animals that could not speak for themselves.

In 2001, the Animal Care and Protection Act strengthened Inspectors’ powers, increasing owners’ responsibilities, and introducing tougher penalties for animal cruelty.

Today, over 30 RSPCA Inspectors travel across the state, responding to thousands of animal welfare concerns every year.

Travelling over 53,000kms investigating animal welfare concerns in Queensland every month, that’s the equivalent of our Inspectors doing a lap around the earth for animals in need!

We continue to work closely with the State Government, advocating for improvements to the Act and for higher welfare standards for all animals, so together we can continue to create a kinder future.