RSPCA WA has condemned an increase in abuse, threats and intimidation directed at its inspectors, warning that anyone who hinders, obstructs, abuses or threatens an inspector exercising their lawful powers faces possible prosecution.
The warning follows a recent conviction in the Perth Magistrates Court of a 61-year-old Carlisle man. In addition to being sentenced for animal cruelty, he was also fined $1,500 for twice obstructing and threatening an RSPCA WA inspector who was lawfully investigating the suffering of his five-month-old Mastiff puppy.
The man left an abusive voicemail telling the inspector to "f*ck off away from my place" and calling her a "stupid b*tch". When inspectors returned with WA Police to seize the injured puppy, he yelled further profanities, called the inspector a "stupid c**t", threatened to grab a police officer's gun and "shoot youse all", and warned he would punch the inspector if she attempted to place a lead on the puppy.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said sadly, the behaviour seen in this case was not isolated.
"Inspectors are regularly subjected to intimidating behaviour. Raised fists are not uncommon. Verbal abuse and threats to cause violence are even more frequent," she said. "There have been previous incidents in which inspectors have been threatened with weapons, including machetes and axe handles."
In a recent case in the South West, a police officer was forced to physically hold a flyscreen door closed as a dog owner smashed and kicked at it, attempting to reach an RSPCA WA inspector while yelling profanities.
"Our team is well trained, professional and compassionate. They are on the frontline every day enforcing the law and being a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves," Ms Green said. "They attend situations that can already be highly emotional and confronting. Abuse, threats and intimidation directed at our inspectors is completely unacceptable. This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will not hesitate to pursue charges where appropriate."
Under section 77 of the Animal Welfare Act 2002, it is an offence to hinder, obstruct, abuse or threaten an inspector exercising a power under the Act. The maximum penalty is a $20,000 fine and one year in prison. Two people have already been convicted under this section of the Act this financial year. A further four people are currently before the courts facing the same charge.
Ms Green said the vast majority of interactions between inspectors and animal owners were respectful and cooperative.
"We understand that receiving a visit from an inspector can be stressful. But our role is to ensure animals are receiving appropriate care under the law," she said. "Our inspectors deserve to carry out their duties safely and without fear of intimidation or violence."
The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au.
RSPCA WA has condemned an increase in abuse, threats and intimidation directed at its inspectors, warning that anyone who hinders, obstructs, abuses or threatens an inspector exercising their lawful powers faces possible prosecution.
The warning follows a recent conviction in the Perth Magistrates Court of a 61-year-old Carlisle man. In addition to being sentenced for animal cruelty, he was also fined $1,500 for twice obstructing and threatening an RSPCA WA inspector who was lawfully investigating the suffering of his five-month-old Mastiff puppy.
The man left an abusive voicemail telling the inspector to "f*ck off away from my place" and calling her a "stupid b*tch". When inspectors returned with WA Police to seize the injured puppy, he yelled further profanities, called the inspector a "stupid c**t", threatened to grab a police officer's gun and "shoot youse all", and warned he would
punch the inspector if she attempted to place a lead on the puppy.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said sadly, the behaviour seen in this case was not isolated.
"Inspectors are regularly subjected to intimidating behaviour. Raised fists are not uncommon. Verbal abuse and threats to cause violence are even more frequent," she said. "There have been previous incidents in which inspectors have been threatened with weapons, including machetes and axe handles."
In a recent case in the South West, a police officer was forced to physically hold a flyscreen door closed as a dog owner smashed and kicked at it, attempting to reach an RSPCA WA inspector while yelling profanities.
"Our team is well trained, professional and compassionate. They are on the frontline every day enforcing the law and being a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves," Ms Green said. "They attend situations that can already be highly emotional and confronting. Abuse, threats and intimidation directed at our inspectors is completely unacceptable. This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will not hesitate to pursue charges where appropriate."
Under section 77 of the Animal Welfare Act 2002, it is an offence to hinder, obstruct, abuse or threaten an inspector exercising a power under the Act. The maximum penalty is a $20,000 fine and one year in prison. Two people have already been convicted under this section of the Act this financial year. A further four people are currently before the courts facing the same charge.
Ms Green said the vast majority of interactions between inspectors and animal owners were respectful and cooperative.
"We understand that receiving a visit from an inspector can be stressful. But our role is to ensure animals are receiving appropriate care under the law," she said. "Our inspectors deserve to carry out their duties safely and without fear of intimidation or violence."
The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au
Further case details:
On Thursday 29 January 2026, a 61-year-old Carlisle man was fined $6,500 for failing to get his Mastiff puppy's broken leg treated and for twice obstructing an RSPCA WA inspector from carrying out her job by abusing and threatening her. The offender was also prohibited from being in charge of animals for three years and ordered to pay reimbursement and legal costs totalling $4762.
The Perth Magistrates Court heard RSPCA WA inspectors attended the offender's home in December 2024 after receiving a cruelty report regarding an "injured and skinny" dog. They saw the five-month-old puppy, named Princess Socks, who wasn't putting any pressure on her back right leg and was whimpering when she tried to walk.
As the offender wasn't home, an inspector left a written notice instructing him to take the puppy to a vet within 24 hours toassess and treat her injury.
It was revealed the offender had taken the puppy for a consultation three days prior where it was noted she was in
significant pain with a pain score of 4/4. The vet had provided first aid by way of a methadone injection which would last for six to eight hours; the vet told the offender she suspected Princess Socks had a broken leg and said it was imperative he get the puppy x-rayed. The offender did not comply.
The inspectors returned to the property with WA Police officers the following morning and Princess Socks was seized.
An RSPCA WA vet examination revealed she had a broken leg which had resulted in muscle wastage, and an infection in both ears. She received treatment and continues to recover in foster care.
