RSPCA turns 150: Pets over profits

5 July 2021

RSPCA Australia is turning 150 and Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto said it was time the RSPCA went back to their founding value of looking after animals, not looking after their profits.

The RSPCA Queensland posted a profit of $8.7M in 2019-2020.  Around 42 per cent of revenue comes from community donations, with the other income coming from government sources and through its animal activities.

“My office has been inundated with allegations of the RSPCA targeting innocent people and taking their animals, in a business model and culture incentivised by making money.

“The more animals that RSPCA confiscates, the more money this organisation generates,” said Mr Dametto.

It has been alleged by complainants that some RSPCA inspectors are acting in self-interest, without procedural fairness to confiscate animals to on-sell to third parties; or shut down breeder bloodlines, for the benefit of other rival breeders.

“The RSPCA target everyday people yet are silent on the control of pest species which devastate our local wildlife like feral pigs, brumbies and feral cats,” said Mr Dametto.

Whether it be a hunting dog, farm dog, or a companion, animals are part of our families and our lifestyle.

“It is tragic to hear stories from across Australia, alleging the RPSCA are confiscating innocent people’s fur babies, from a registered charity that is portrayed to be advocating for animal welfare.

“It’s timely that Government reviews the powers RSPCA have been given to ensure that the RSPCA gets back to its core value  – which is protecting animals”.

“The RSPCA should start focusing on their founding values from 150 years ago – and that is animal welfare; rather than financial gain and self-interest,” said Mr Dametto.

Nick Dametto Member for Hinchinbrook with his wife Alicia and fur baby Beau.