Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW)

Animal Welfare League NSW held its first meeting on 22 April 1958, when WR Lawrence MLA set it up as a breakaway group weeks after resigning as RSPCA President. Its early work focused on investigating animal cruelty, and in 1959 it prosecuted two greyhound trainers for using a live rabbit as lure bait. The League formed its first branches, in Armidale and Northside, in 1963, opened many more in the 1970s, and completed its current main shelter at Kemps Creek in 2008.

The Kemps Creek Shelter and Veterinary Clinic, on Elizabeth Drive in Western Sydney, takes in surrendered and sick or injured animals and rehomes dogs, cats, pocket pets and other animals. Every adopted pet is desexed (except female guinea pigs), vaccinated, microchipped, flea-treated and wormed, and comes with a 14-day health guarantee. The League cannot accept healthy stray animals: found dogs and cats should go to the local council pound. Surrenders often have a waiting list because of demand.

Alongside the shelter, AWL NSW runs an inspectorate that is approved under NSW prevention of cruelty to animals law to investigate cruelty reports, a public veterinary clinic, an Animal Care Truck and community visits, and a foster care programme. Outside Sydney, it works through a network of volunteer branches in regional NSW.

The shelter is open every day except Wednesday, 10am–3:30pm. You can adopt, foster, volunteer, report cruelty to its inspectors or donate online; the League is registered under the NSW Charitable Fundraising Act.