Animal welfare inspectors

The following persons or occupations may act as inspectors in relation to animal cruelty:

all members of the Victorian Police Force
inspectors of livestock appointed under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994(Vic)
full-time officers of the RSPCA
authorised officers under section 72 of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 (they may act under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act over alleged cruelty occurring in their municipal district).

The last three must be approved in writing by the Minister.

Specialist inspectors may also be appointed if they have appropriate qualifications.

Inspectors powers

If inspectors reasonably believe that an offence may have occurred or may occur under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, they can:

conduct inspections of facilities and attend to distressed animals
enforce and arrange veterinary treatment impound animals
take photographs, videos or make sketches
take samples from animals or the premises where the animal is kept
destroy animals that are abandoned, distressed or disabled.

Specialist inspectors have the same powers as inspectors. However, with written authority, they also have additional powers to:

enter premises, other than a person 's dwelling, in or on which animals are housed or grouped for the purpose of primary production, exhibition, competition or amusement
inspect any animal, plant, equipment or structure on the premises
observe any practice being conducted in connection with the management of animals on the premises.

A vet or any person in charge of a livestock saleyard has the same power as an inspector to destroy an animal. All inspectors (other than members of the police force) must produce identification on demand when they are exercising their powers.

Obstructing inspectors

It is an offence to obstruct, intimidate or refuse admission to an inspector or specialist inspector. It is also an offence to give false or misleading information or fail to comply with an inspector 's or specialist inspector's requirements. The maximum fine for these offences is 60 penalty units. Impersonating an inspector or failing to provide name and address details to an inspector are also offences carrying ten penalty units.