Long-awaited Broome-based RSPCA WA inspector ready to investigate animal cruelty across Kimberley

For the first time in RSPCA WA’s history, the organisation has appointed a Broome based inspector to investigate animal cruelty complaints across the Kimberley.

Broome local Wayne Moroney will start as the first ever Broome RSPCA WA inspector in early November after completing the remaining three months of his training.

A five year WA Police veteran, Mr Moroney has extensive experience with animals having worked as a marine ranger and a wildlife officer across WA before embarking on the journey to become a RSPCA inspector.

Mr Moroney said he was excited to put his skills to work and was ready to rise to the challenge of investigating animal cruelty reports across the huge region.

“The Kimberley is an expansive region, and I’ll rely on strong relationships with local rangers, communities, rescue groups and WA Police to get the best outcomes for pets and livestock,” he said.

“Most cruelty reports can be resolved by working with owners. It’s only in those really serious cases, such as deliberate violence or extreme neglect, where prosecuting owners becomes necessary to prevent further suffering.

“I believe education is critical to creating lasting change in the animal welfare space, so helping and supporting the community to provide better care for their animals will form a key part of my role.”

RSPCA WA Chair Lynne Bradshaw said people in the Kimberley have been desperate for a regionally based inspector for many years.

“RSPCA WA has always done its best to respond to cruelty complaints state-wide with limited resources but having boots on the ground in a vast region like the Kimberley is a massive win for animals,” she said.

“Finding the right candidate for this role did prove challenging, but Inspector Moroney is proving to be a great fit who will work hard to create change for animals and owners in the region.”

RSPCA WA’s 13 inspectors investigated 6444 reports of animal cruelty over a massive 312,926km of territory from 2021 to 2022.

People can report animal cruelty to the RSPCA WA by calling 1300 CRUELTY or visiting the RSPCA WA website.