RSPCA NSW is urging members of the community to help stop the spread of Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) and keep their pets safe after several cases have been reported in the Illawarra region this week.  Parvo is a serious and often fatal viral disease that affects unvaccinated dogs and puppies of any age. What is Parvo?  Parvo is highly contagious and spreads directly, or indirectly, through contact with faecal matter from infected dogs. Transmission may occur through direct contact with a sick dog, by sniffing an infected dog’s poo or licking/ eating off ground where a sick dog has previously been.   Parvo is especially dangerous because it can live for several years on the ground where a sick dog has defecated or vomited. As the virus is invisible, pet owners cannot know if a sick dog has previously been there. This poses an ongoing risk to dogs and puppies for many years.   Symptoms  The incubation period for Parvo is between four to…

With summer now here, RSPCA NSW is urging pet owners to keep their animals in mind when it comes to emergency preparedness.  NSW’s diverse landscape means communities often face extreme weather events – heatwaves, drought, bushfires, storms, and floods. As guardians of animals, it’s our shared responsibility to keep them safe.  RSPCA NSW supports the community in many ways during emergencies, and we strongly encourage all animal owners to prepare an emergency plan but also take preventive measures on their properties to minimise risk and protect lives.  Planning ahead is a vital part of emergency preparedness and can significantly improve the chances of safely evacuating your animals during events like bushfires or floods.  That’s where RSPCA NSW’s Ready, Pet, Go! initiative comes in with 5000 free pet emergency starter kits being made available from December 1 with a focus on getting them to those that need them most.   These kits are limited to one per NSW household and includes:   Waterproof…

RSPCA NSW supports strengthening the regulatory framework for dog breeding in NSW. We continue to advocate for meaningful review of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) to wholistically improve animal welfare, and to improve the lives of animals in NSW.   Animals in breeding establishments are particularly vulnerable, often kept in large numbers, and bred at rates not compatible with good animal welfare. RSPCA NSW has always advocated for robust statutory protections for breeding animals in NSW.  On 15 November 2024 the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Puppy Farm) Bill 2024, passed through the NSW Parliament.  The Bill amends POCTAA and other related legislation, and its stated intention is to regulate dog breeding, and the advertising of dogs for sale or other transfer, introduce mandatory requirements for breeder identification, and impose limits on the number of adult female dogs in dog premises.   Below is an overview of the first two phases of the Bill, the second of…

RSPCA NSW is proud to announce the opening of our new Equine Adoption Centre, a purpose-built facility designed to transform the way we care for, rehabilitate, and rehome horses across the state.  A major addition to the Hunter Shelter, this new development marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to horse welfare. With improved facilities, expanded paddock spaces, specialised stables, and advanced staff training, we are now better equipped than ever to help our horses recover, thrive, and ultimately find loving new homes.  The centre features two custom-designed stable blocks outfitted with:  Four stables with in-built veterinary examination rooms, a wash bay, horse crushes, and scales, allowing staff to more efficiently treat our horses while maintaining optimal hygiene.  13 spacious paddocks with connecting laneways, enabling the shelter to comfortably house more horses on site while still providing easy, safe viewing for potential adopters.  A specialised stable block custom-built for ease of entry to ensure safe intake and management of unhandled or unwell horses.  Two dedicated stallion yards that will enable us to safely and responsibly house stallions on site.  “Our Hunter Shelter has rehomed more than 60 horses in the last…