11/11/2025
100 years of progress, one mission: protecting animals 🐾❤️
Today marks a century since the passing of the Animals Protection Act 1925 - the landmark legislation that gave RSPCA Inspectors the legal powers to protect animals and enforce welfare standards across Queensland ⚖️
But the fight for animal welfare in Queensland began long before.
It started with a single Inspector in 1883, shortly joined by many Honorary Inspectors, all pursuing animal welfare and the welfare of children and elderly (yes, we once did more than animal welfare). But back then, Inspectors had no legal authority, just compassion, courage, and a mission to protect animals.
That all changed with the Animals Protection Act 1925, giving Inspectors formal powers alongside police and other authorised officers, guiding their work for decades.
It didn't stop there. In 2001, the Animal Care and Protection Act took animal welfare to the next level: strengthening Inspectors’ powers, increasing owners’ responsibilities, and introducing tougher penalties for cruelty.
Today, 34 Inspectors travel across Queensland, responding to over 14,000 animal welfare concerns every year and enforcing the law. And we continue working closely with the State Government, advocating for improvements to the Act and for higher welfare standards for all animals - from pets to livestock to wildlife 🐶🐮🐨
From humble beginnings to legal recognition, we’ve come a long way in 100 years. But one thing remains the same: protecting animals.
