Reward System

The Animal Justice Fund will provide rewards from $5000 to a maximum of $30,000 on the provision of information and/or evidence by employees/informants exposing animal cruelty which leads to a successful prosecution under state animal welfare legislation, or a significant animal welfare outcome as judged by the AJF.

The AJF will also offer rewards, where appropriate, for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of offenders in extreme cases of animal cruelty under investigation by the police or the RSPCA. Such rewards will only be offered after consultation and with the approval of the investigative body.

Information relating to commercial enterprises may be judged of value whether or not a practice involving cruelty may possibly be subject to a legal exemption.

Information obtained will be referred where appropriate to the Barristers Animal Welfare Panel (BAWP) for advice. BAWP is a national unitary body of over 120 Australian barristers whose objects include engaging in strategic and other litigation which advances animal welfare. Where information relates to an incident already under investigation, it will be provided immediately to the appropriate investigative body.

The amount of reward on offer will be at the discretion of the AJF after determining the significance of the information and all accompanying circumstances. Part payment of rewards may be considered prior to a prosecution commencing or significant animal welfare outcome being achieved.

If information provided by an informant requires an urgent response to alleviate suffering or to investigate a serious breach of legislation — the AJF will immediately liaise with state enforcement agencies.