Stories Behind the Scars

Stories Behind the Scars shines a spotlight on the inherent humanity behind working in animal welfare.

From rescuing a puppy in a suitcase, to castrating a camel in the outback, to helping a little boy overcome his fear of dogs – RSPCA NSW is opening the vault and sharing unforgettable moments to commemorate their 150th anniversary.

Equal parts heart-warming and heart-wrenching, the series offers a window into the lives of the unsung heroes – the inspectors, the veterinary staff, and the community outreach team – who make RSPCA NSW’s mission a reality every day.

It is a glimpse into the spirit that drives what is truly a labour of love for all animals great and small.

Stories Behind The Scars deep dives into different facets of RSPCA NSW starting with The Inspectorate in episode one, the Veterinarians in episode two and the Community Team in episode three.

Stories Behind the Scars – Episode 1

Listen to previously unheard stories from our dedicated Inspectors. As members of the largest animal welfare enforcement unit in Australia, our Inspectors are committed to not only fighting animal cruelty but supporting, guiding, and educating communities across NSW.

Stories Behind the Scars – Episode 2

Whether they’re running our outreach initiatives or serving animals in our clinics, our veterinary staff play a vital role in helping our state’s most vulnerable animals experience a good quality of life.

Stories Behind the Scars – Episode 3

RSPCA NSW understands that helping the people who care for animals contributes to the formation of healthy and compassionate communities. By empowering people to help both themselves and their beloved animal companions, we’re helping build a brighter future for people and animals alike.

By providing services that target the needs of people and their animal companions, we’re preventing cruelty and neglect before they can occur. 

Ways to Help Animals in Need

Adopt 

RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of different animals, from dogs, cats, and birds to horses, rabbits, and sheep! We believe that all creatures, great and small, can bring joy to our families and homes. Begin your adoption journey today and make an adorable lifelong friend!

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Foster

By providing temporary homes for our animals, we can ensure they get the care they need until they are ready to be adopted. Join our network of foster carers for an incredibly rewarding experience; with your help, we can change the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable animals.

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Donate

We rely on our generous supporters to continue assisting the thousands of animals turning to RSPCA NSW for help. No matter how small your contribution, every gift makes a lifesaving difference for animals in need.

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Volunteer

By raising funds and lending a hand to communities and their pets, our volunteers play a pivotal role in our work throughout NSW. If you have a genuine concern for animals and enjoy meeting like-minded people, consider becoming an RSPCA NSW volunteer today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you decide to shoot this series?

RSPCA NSW wanted to shoot ‘Stories Behind The Scars’ to offer a first-hand insight into the lives of the people who make RSPCA NSW’s mission a reality. The series shines the spotlight on the inherent humanity behind working in animal welfare. ‘Stories Behind The Scars’ also offers a rare opportunity to understand and unpack misconceptions about the work done by RSPCA NSW by showcasing the breadth and depth of what RSPCA NSW does. The series shows that the organisation is so much more than a shelter – it tackles animal welfare issues across all areas of society.

Some of the stories in the series are quite graphic, how does RSPCA NSW support workers in these situations?

RSPCA NSW is committed to the health and wellbeing of all our staff, and this includes supporting their emotional and mental health and wellbeing. Working in animal welfare can be distressing, not just for those who work on the front line, but for everyone in the organisation who is touched by the stories of the animals that enter into care. Every staff member and their immediate families have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The program offers free confidential counselling and related services, via phone, video call or face-to-face at any time, to assist staff and their immediate families in resolving personal or work-related issues. Colleagues, team leaders and managers are reminded to check in on their staff, recommend them to the EAP, and communicate with one another frequently. Communication is ramped up during times that might be particularly challenging, such as COVID-related social isolation periods. RSPCA NSW also offers compassionate leave for pet sickness and bereavement.

The episodes feature inspectors, vets and community team, are these the main roles at RSPCA NSW?

There are many roles at RSPCA NSW that are not covered in the series, this is just a snapshot of what RSPCA NSW does. We chose to focus on some of the more misunderstood or lesser known facets of RSPCA NSW for ‘Stories Behind The Scars’. While most people are familiar with RSPCA NSW’s shelter staff, vet staff and uniformed inspectors, there is actually a wide range of roles available at RSPCA NSW. For example, there are staff working in communications, fundraising, education, animal emergency transport, management and administration. There are also volunteer roles in these areas in and in foster care. Many employees began as volunteers, and many volunteers are as familiar as family members.

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Our promise to you

We promise to uphold the highest ethical standards. Your personal information has never been, and never will be sold or traded to other charities. This is our promise to you.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We recognise and respect the enduring relationship they have with their lands and waterways, and particularly acknowledge the vital role animals have played in Indigenous life, stories and culture for tens of thousands of years.

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.

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The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.

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RSPCA Lorem Ipsum

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who continue to work and live on this land.

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