Reporting animal cruelty – Who should you contact?

If you feel that an animal’s life is at serious risk DO NOT make an online report, CALL THE EMERGENCY HOTLINE 1300 477 722 immediately, open 24 hours, 7 days a week. 

RSPCA South Australia’s small team of Inspectors respond to more than 4,500 reports of animal cruelty every year. Our Inspectors are authorised to investigate reports of cruelty to animals as defined by South Australia’s Animal Welfare Act 1985. 

But some reports need to be directed elsewhere; such as animals in hot cars which need to be directed to the police immediately, or stray animals which need to be directed to local council. Knowing who to contact helps ensure animals quickly get the help they need. See below for further information on who to contact. 

Dogs in hot cars 

Call 000. 

If you find an animal left in a hot car, call the South Australian Police immediately on 000. Animals can die in as little as six minutes if left in a hot vehicle and police can dispatch officers quickly. 

If the vehicle was seen by you but has since left the area, and you have the vehicle licence plate, you can make an online cruelty report. Our team will contact the owner and provide advice about animal safety in hot vehicles. 

Stray animals 

Contact your local council. 

For any stray or roaming animals please contact your local council. 

Wildlife 

RSPCA South Australia works with a variety of partner organisations to rescue and rehabilitate injured native wildlife, including: 

  • Fauna Rescue SA, a volunteer non-profit organisation caring for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. Fauna Rescue carers are specialised in several native species, including koalas, kangaroos, possums, echidnas, bats, reptiles, tortoises, pelicans, birds of prey, magpies, ducklings and nectar feeding birds, such as honeyeaters and lorikeets. 
  • The Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organisation (AMWRRO), a dedicated marine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organisation. AMWRRO is South Australia’s only organisation licensed to rescue, rehabilitate and release all seals, all seabirds and all sea turtle species. They also work closely with other departments to rescue and release dolphin and whale species found entangled or beached. 

Organisation name

Region covered

Species

Phone

Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organisation South Australia Marine wildlife and seabirds (08) 8262 5452
Fauna Rescue SA South Australia All wildlife (08) 8289 0896
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network Kangaroo Island All wildlife 1300 549 453
Wildlife Welfare Organisation SA Fleurieu Peninsula All wildlife, specialising in marine wildlife and seabirds 0434 114 628

If you are unsure who to contact, call our emergency hotline on 1300 477 722, and we will connect you to the best organisation to help. 

Barking dogs 

Contact your local council. 

If you’re experiencing consistent barking or howling from dog/s in your area, or nuisance behaviour, such as digging under fencing or aggressive behaviour at an adjoining fence line, please contact your local council to make a noise complaint. 

Suspected animal disease outbreak 

Suspected disease or pests in any wildlife or livestock animal, must be reported immediately to The Department of Primary Industries and Regions on freecall 1800 675 888 (open 24/7).

Underweight or emaciated animals 

Call RSPCA SA 

Report any cases of underweight or emaciated animals to RSPCA SA on 1300 477 722 or complete an online report. If you feel the animal is at immediate risk contact our call centre straight away, it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Call Now: 1300 477 722

Insufficient food, water or shelter 

Call RSPCA SA 

Report failure to provide sufficient food, water or shelter to RSPCA SA on 1300 477 722 or complete an online report. If you feel the animal is at immediate risk contact our call centre straight away, it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  Call Now: 1300 477 722

Abandoned animals 

Call RSPCA SA 

If you’re concerned about an animal, please report it to RSPCA SA on 1300 477 722 or complete an online report. If you feel the animal is at immediate risk contact our call centre straight away, it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Call Now: 1300 477 722

Sick or injured animals

If you’re concerned about an animal, please report it to RSPCA SA on 1300 477 722 or complete an online report. If you feel the animal is at immediate risk contact our call centre straight away, it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Call Now: 1300 477 722

Livestock and poultry 

Call RSPCA SA 

If you’re concerned about an animal, please report it to RSPCA SA on 1300 477 722 or complete an online report. If you feel the animal is at immediate risk contact our call centre straight away, it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Call Now: 1300 477 722

Puppy or kitten farms 

If you’re buying an animal from a breeder and you see any issues such as overcrowded kennels/cages, insufficient shelter, food or water, make a cruelty report via our online form immediately. You can find more info about puppy farming here.