In the state budget on Thursday, $1.54 million was allocated to support animal welfare, biosecurity and livestock productivity.

The money will provide new livestock officers within the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, and increase support to the RSPCA.  

Additional funding has been welcomed by RSPCA general manager Peter West.

“It is a huge win because it means we will be able to review what the RSPCA can do,” he said. 

In April The Examiner revealed the large workload Tasmania’s four RSPCA inspectors were dealing with.

While an additional inspector has been added, lowering the workload and changing the organisation’s responsibilities hinge on negotiations with the department.

Mr West said the negotiation about the RSPCA’s responsibilities was likely to be completed by June 30.

“We’ve continued to work with the department on ways we can deliver better outcomes for animals,” he said. 

“We have to be realistic about what we can provide.”

The negotiations are to determine the RSPCA’s responsibilities in investigating animal cruelty claims. 

Mr West said the focus would remain on welfare. 

“What should matter is that we are all working towards achieving the best outcomes for the animals,” he said. 

The budget also contained $1.4 million to support the implementation of the Cat Management Plan.