The RSPCA SA has been a big winner from the recent state budget, with a 350 per cent increase in funding over the next four years.

Most of the money will go toward helping the organisation enforce South Australia’s proposed new animal welfare laws.

The 2024-25 State Budget provides an extra $16.4 million over four years to RSPCA SA to deliver animal welfare compliance activities in accordance with the soon to be updated Animal Welfare Act 1985.

Currently, RSPCA SA inspectors investigate more than 4000 animal cruelty reports each year.

The funding comes from a state government commitment to undertake sweeping reforms to outdated animal welfare laws.

These major reforms to the both the Animal Welfare Act and the Dog and Cat Management Act will include sharp increases in penalties for those who neglect and abuse animals.

It follows the recent opening of RSPCA SA’s new $28 million Animal Care Centre which is ushering in a new era for animal welfare in South Australia.

The centre, on the corner of Main South and Majors roads, O’Halloran Hill, has all staff, volunteers and animals located on the one purpose-built site for the first time.

Deputy Premier Susan Close says the RSPCA SA will finally be properly funded to undertake the important work they do in keeping animals safe from abuse.

“This large increase in funding recognises that community expectations around animal welfare have significantly increased and the important role the RSPCA SA plays in ensuring those who chose to abuse animals are both deterred and held to account.”