He was the first salaried RSPCA inspector in Western Australia, and later served a single term in the state's Legislative Assembly (from 1911 to 1914), where he secured the passage of an animal welfare bill.

In 1907, he had a gas chamber built at his home in Highgate, allowing stray cats and dogs to be euthanised humanely.

[3] His candidacy was helped by the fact that the sitting member, John Hardwick, made a mistake in submitting his nomination and was thus unable to be listed on the ballot.

[4] In parliament, Lander introduced a bill which was eventually passed into law as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1912, the first of its kind in Western Australia.

[3] After leaving politics, Lander bought a farm in Bruce Rock, also providing veterinary services for the surrounding area.