The RSPCA in Queensland is an animal welfare organization that operates nine animal shelters across the state. It works to prevent cruelty, promote animal welfare, lobby the government, and educate the public. Each year it receives over 40,000 animals, investigates over 13,000 complaints of animal cruelty, and performs over 9,000 animal rescues. The organization relies heavily on donations and volunteers to support its operations and care for animals in need of help.

1. The RSPCA in Queensland An Overview H ELPING ANIMALS • E NLIGHTENING PEOPLE • C HANGING LIVES

2. Our Mission RSPCA Queensland Inc. Helping Animals. Enlightening People. Changing Lives.

3. Five Freedoms for animals… from hunger & thirst from discomfort from pain, injury & disease to express normal behaviour from fear & distress

4. Over the years… 1824 The organisation was originally formed as the Society Prevention Cruelty (SPC) in England 1871 The SPC was established in Australia. At this time it looked after both humans and animals 1883 The SPC was established in Queensland 1925 The Animal Protection Act was created

5. Over the years… 1955 The “Royal” warrant was issued and the organisation bec ame the “Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty” 1970 Qld Government took over the welfare of children leaving the RSPCA to concentrate only on animal welfare 2001 The Animal Care and Protection Act was created, replacing the outdated 1925 Act

6. Objectives and Responsibilities Prevent cruelty: State-wide Inspectorate Promote animal welfare: Nine Shelters, Animal Training Centres Lobbying Government: campaigns & legislation Education: “Changing Hearts & Minds” Media: RSPCA Animal Rescue

7. RSPCA Qld Staff Includes: Animal Attendants, Vet Nurses, Vets, Dog trainers, Animal Behaviourists, Inspectors, Animal Ambulance Officers, Hydro-bath Operators, Administration Assistants, Accountants, Fundraising and Events Coordinators, Media and Public Relations Officers, Education Officers, Human Resources Personnel, IT Support Staff, Call Centre Operators, Retail Assistants, Cleaners…

8. Our wonderful volunteers! More than 2000 Volunteers & Foster Parents RSPCA Qld Volunteers donate around 10,000 hours of their time per month saving the RSPCA around $2 million per year!

9. Shelters RSPCA Qld’s nine shelters received over 42,500 animals last year. All animals are checked by a veterinarian as soon as they arrive at the RSPCA.

10. RSPCA Shelters Rockhampton Pet Shop RSPCA Inspectorate have specified areas of service Department of Primary Industries World For Pets Springwood Miami Bundaberg Gympie Brisbane Cairns Townsville Toowoomba Dakabin Sunshine Coast Kingaroy Gympie Bundaberg

11. Incoming Animals – 2009/2010

12. Outgoing animals – 2009/2010

13. RSPCA Inspectorate… animal cruelty and the law The only non-government body empowered to administer an Act of Parliament. Over 13 , 000 complaints of animal cruelty investigated each year by RSPCA Qld More than 50 prosecutions each year Over 9,000 animal rescues each year

14. The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 The Animal Care and Protection Act (2001) protects pets and farm animals. Breaking this law can result in a fine of up to $100,000 or 2 years imprisonment.

15. Why do we have the Animal Care and Protection Act? Pets and farm animals RELY on humans to care for them and provide them with their needs. If you own an animal, you have a Duty of Care for it and must: Provide food and water; Provide shelter; Allow the animal to display normal behaviour; Treat any disease and injury; Handle the animal in a way that is appropriate.

16. The Nature Conservation Act 1992 The Nature Conservation Act (1992) protects wildlife. Breaking this law can result in a fine of up to $200,000 or 2 years imprisonment.

17. Why do we have the Nature Conservation Act? Wildlife RELY on the natural environment to provide all their needs. The Nature Conservation Act protects: Wildlife itself. You can not harm or interfere with native animals. Wildlife habitats (their homes). You can not destroy wildlife habitat such as nests.

18. Wildlife Department Over 5,300 wildlife were rescued statewide last year 1300 ANIMAL Voluntary Wildlife Heroes needed

19. STOP Animal Cruelty Strong, brave people stand up for animals. Have the courage to report animal cruelty: Cruelty Hotline 1300 852 188 RSPCA Qld 3426 9999 Sick or injured animals 1300 ANIMAL Local Police

20. Campaigns RSPCA campaigns on animal welfare issues are an important avenue of educating the community on the humane treatment of animals. Some of them include: Desex – Don’t Kill Dogs Die in Hot cars Justice for Animals Say No to Animals in Circuses; and Fair Go For Farm Animals

21. The Meatrix The Meatrix (www.themeatrix.com) spoofs The Matrix films and highlights the problems with factory farming. Instead of Keanu Reeves, The Meatrix stars a young pig, Leo, who lives on a pleasant family farm… he thinks. Leo is approached by a trenchcoat-clad cow, Moopheus, and joins him on a journey to learn more about what goes on behind closed barn doors at factory farms. Watch The Meatrix video on the WOAW site: http://www.woaw.org.au/14andOver/the-meatrix-video-factory-farm/

22. Humane Education The RSPCA Qld Education Department helps children and adults learn how to consider the feelings of animals – and people. We aim to help young people : Empathy, Kindness, Respect, Responsibility; and Courage.

23. Humane Education School Visits Shelter Tours EMU – Education Mobile Unit WOAW! The World Of Animal Welfare! www.woaw.org.au

24. Operating Costs $27 Million Last Year! Only 2% of this comes from the State Government. Fundraising Activities RSPCA Shops – World for Pets: www.worldforpets.com.au Bequests & Legacies Sale of Animals Local Government Pound Agreements

25. How can you help? Raise funds: Million Paws (and Purrs) Walk, Cupcake Day for the RSPCA Raise awareness! Write letters of protest or support to your local electorate Be a Responsible Pet Owner: Desex and microchip your pet, report to Pet-D-Tect if lost, train your pet Report sick or injured animals: 1300 ANIMAL Report animal cruelty Find out more: www.rspcaqld.org.au, www.woaw.org.au