On Anzac Day, we solemnly reflect on the courage of those who gave their service and loyalty to our country. We remember the troops and animals who fought bravely alongside each other through warfare and served our country with bravery and honour.  The 24th of February is the National Day for War Animals in Australia. However, on ANZAC day, we also value and acknowledge the contributions of animals in war.  Donkeys, horses, mules, cats, dogs, birds, turtles and more, all made valuable and often unique contributions, providing comfort, support and helping the troops in the trenches and on the battlefield. Donkeys and horses provided a means of transport, dogs served as guards, pigeons were messengers and many more served as mascots.  The Australian War Memorial has a gallery dedicated to these animals to remember them and their stories.    Feline Friends  Cats were an imperative part of life in the trenches, helping to ward away rats and mice and supporting…

Easter is a joyful time filled with family, food, and fun – but for our furry friends, it can be unexpectedly dangerous. Every year, the RSPCA and vets across the country treat pets – especially dogs – for chocolate toxicity and other holiday-related risks. To ensure this Easter remains safe and happy for everyone, here are some simple tips and important info every pet owner should know. Keep Your Pets Out of the Easter Egg Hunt It might be tempting to include your dog in your Easter egg hunt – but please keep chocolate eggs and their foil wrappers well out of reach. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. This is because chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and caffeine which, if ingested, are extremely toxic and even lethal for our pets. While all chocolate is risky, dark and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous. Just 50g can be fatal if ingested by a small dog. Symptoms…

What is panleukopenia?  Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) is a highly contagious virus. It is similar and closely related to parvovirus in dogs. What are signs of panleukopenia?  Common signs of infection include loss of appetite, extreme lethargy, vomiting, fever, and (sometimes bloody) diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can range from mild to potentially life-threatening, which is why it’s important to monitor your cat and seek urgent veterinary treatment if you observe your pet presenting with any of the symptoms above. What if my cat and I live close to an area that had a breakout?  Make sure any cats at home have had their yearly vaccination for protection against the virus. If you are unsure, please contact your local veterinarian or nearest RSPCA NSW Veterinary Hospital.  How is the virus transmitted?  Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) is extremely contagious. Infected cats primarily transmit the virus through the faecal-oral route, which occurs when a cat has contact with infected faeces. However, contaminated clothing, bedding, food bowls, and…

A 55-year-old wildlife carer has been convicted of committing an act of aggravated animal cruelty, after failing to provide veterinary treatment to an eastern grey kangaroo in her care, resulting in it being in such a physical condition that it was cruel to be kept alive. The woman had been volunteering as a WIRES carer at the time.   On 9 April 2025, the defendant appeared in Windsor Local Court where she was sentenced following a lengthy hearing over nearly 2.5 years, which had taken place at Katoomba Local Court.    The kangaroo came into the defendant’s care in October 2020 with serious injuries after being caught in a fence. The offence arose from the defendant’s failure to seek necessary veterinary treatment for the kangaroo between 20 February 2021 and 8 March 2021. An eminent veterinarian and expert in wildlife health and conservation told the Court that the animal needed to be humanely euthanised from at least 20 February 2021 because of…