News and Updates

As a Project Officer with the Keeping Cats Safe at Home team, I quickly learned that improving cats’ lives isn’t something you do alone.  Whether we’re working alongside councils, veterinarians, schools, community groups, human service providers  or individual carers, every success story begins when people rally together around a shared goal. Some partnerships empower us to desex hundreds of cats, while others simply begin as conversations that connect a cat carer with life-changing support.  Every collaboration we’ve undertaken in this last month demonstrated how coming together is one of the most powerful tools we have for creating lasting change for cats across NSW.  Bringing Services Together  One of last month’s biggest highlights stemmed from two Connected Services events in Port Stephens and Newcastle. I attended alongside colleagues from RSPCA NSW’s Animal and Veterinary Care team, Veterinary Social Work, local veterinarians, council representatives and a diverse range of support service providers.  These events were designed to strengthen the relationships between organisations that support both people and their pets. By bringing together professionals from different sectors, we can better clarify our holistic approach to keeping people and animals together. From identifying families who may be struggling to connecting them with relevant services: every stage of keeping pets safe, healthy and with the people who love them most becomes easier when human and animal support services are aligned.  Supporting people often means…

RSPCA NSW has launched its new ‘Towards 2040’ strategic plan, setting a long-term direction to strengthen animal welfare outcomes across the state.  The plan centres around prevention, early intervention, and community support, aiming to reduce animal suffering before crisis or cruelty occurs.  Delivered through a series of three-year strategic plans, ‘Towards 2040’ is built around key animal welfare pillars and clear priority goals.  Safe: Keep 1,000,000 animals safe from crisis, harm, and displacement  Healthy: Provide $100 million in accessible veterinary care and prevention for animals in need  Thriving: Reach 5,000,000 people with education, advocacy and community action that improves animal welfare To meet these targets by 2040, RSPCA NSW will focus on accessible veterinary care, hardship support, community-led prevention, targeted desexing and advocacy for lasting change. These priorities will help more animals stay safe, healthy and connected to the people who love them, so they can thrive together.  “Today, animals face increasingly complex challenges, yet too often they enter our care only after harm has already…

Ready to whip up something sweet for a great cause?  RSPCA’s Cupcake Day is back this September, bringing sweet treat enthusiasts and animal lovers together to bake, share and raise funds to give animals in need the second chance they deserve.  You can schedule your Cupcake Day celebrations for whatever day works best, meaning there’s nothing holding you back from running your dream event. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bake-off, a workplace morning tea, a school bake sale or a cosy catch-up with friends, there are endless ways to join the fun.  And don’t worry if you’re not a star baker! All it takes is a sprinkle of creativity to turn your beloved family recipe or favourite packet mix into a life-changing gift for animals in need.  “Every Cupcake Day event, no matter the size, helps provide vital care for animals who need us most,” said RSPCA NSW Community Fundraising Manager, Ben Wilheim.  Last year, over 77,000 animals turned to the RSPCA for warmth, shelter and support. Thanks to the support of our community, we can give them the treatment, rehabilitation and love they need while waiting to find their forever homes.  So, gather your favourite people, get your festive aprons on, and turn your next catch-up…

Understanding consent, body language and building trust with your feline friend  For many of us, one of the great joys living with cats is being able to delight in each other’s company during the quieter moments of the day. Whether they’re curled up beside us on the couch or greeting us at the door, it’s natural to want to reach out for a pat or pick them up for a cuddle. But while humans often use touch to show affection, cats don’t always experience it the same way.  Just like people, every cat has their own preferences about when, where, and how they like to be touched. Learning to recognise these preferences, asking for your cat’s “consent”, and respecting when they’ve had enough can strengthen your relationship and help your cat feel safe, understood and in control.  What does ‘consent’ mean to cats?  Consent simply means giving cats the choice to decide whether they want to interact with you.  Cats are most comfortable when they feel in control of their environment and their interactions. Rather than reaching straight towards them or picking them…

A Wollongong man has been found guilty of committing an act of cruelty after repeatedly smacking his Staffordshire Terrier puppy as a form of punishment.  Appearing in Wollongong Local Court on 4 June 2026, the defendant was convicted and handed a $1500 fine. They were also given a two-year disqualification order that prohibits the defendant from owning or having anything to do with the keeping or care of animals. The defendant must also forfeit all animals in their care. Animal care costs were awarded to RSPCA NSW totalling $3,404.54 along with professional costs $117.   In March 2026, RSPCA NSW received an audio recording of the defendant yelling at their puppy along with slapping sounds followed by crying and yelping by the dog.   An RSPCA NSW Inspector subsequently attended the property with no one home at the time and the puppy was seized for veterinary assessment. The following day, the Inspector returned to the defendant’s property for a formal interview.   The defendant confirmed he owned the puppy with his fiancée and that he smacks and yells at the puppy…

“It feels like I’ve just blinked and bang, it’s 20 years.”  Time has certainly flown for Eve, who celebrated two decades of work with RSPCA NSW in June 2026.   The experienced and dedicated Animal Attendant started out as a volunteer at the Hunter RSPCA NSW shelter before gaining casual and then full-time employment as she attained the required qualifications through TAFE.   Eve joined RSPCA NSW at the age of 47 and it’s clear she found her calling as she works with other people just as devoted to helping animals.     “I’ve done quite a few jobs, but I’ve never stayed at a job this long,” Eve said.   “Honestly, I love it. I started a year after this shelter opened.   “Great staff. They’re all family, you know, they’re not just staff. It really is my second home. Everyone’s supportive. Everyone helps everybody.  “It’s a really good team and it always has been because we’re all in the same boat. We’re all here for the same reason – looking after these beautiful animals.”   Now primarily working with canines, Eve has inevitably developed special bonds with a number of animals she’s cared for over the years.   There is one furry friend that stands out most though with a newspaper clipping of the duo still proudly…

On Thursday, 25 June 2026, a team of RSPCA NSW Inspectors executed a search warrant on a registered breeder’s property in the Northwest of Sydney. A total of 15 adult dogs and 17 puppies of various breeds were seized by RSPCA NSW. All 32 dogs have been admitted into our care, where they are undergoing veterinary assessments and receiving treatment as needed. This is part of an ongoing cruelty investigation. If you have animal welfare concerns, please call RSPCA NSW to investigate on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or 9770 7555.

Helping your cat stay warm, safe and happy during the cooler months As the weather cools and winter settles in, many cats naturally begin seeking out warm, comfortable places to rest. Whether it’s a sunny windowsill, a cosy blanket, or their favourite human’s lap, the colder months often encourage cats to spend more time closer to home. This makes winter the perfect opportunity to introduce your cat to a safe-at-home lifestyle. A safe-at-home lifestyle doesn’t simply mean keeping your cat locked indoors. Instead, the safe-at-home lifestyle allows cats to express their natural behaviours while reducing the risks associated with roaming. Though often characterised by more time indoors, staying safe at home can mean enjoying a secure outdoor enclosure or catio, supervised outdoor time, or exploring a cat-proofed backyard. Cats who remain safe at home live, on average, 10 years longer than cats that are allowed to roam freely. Staying close to home helps protect cats from traffic accidents, disease, parasites,…

As a Keeping Cats Safe at Home Desexing Coordinator, no two days ever look the same.  One day I’m helping someone learn how to safely trap a community cat. The next I’m helping kittens to a clinic for vital care, bringing a cat in for desexing, or helping a resident find safe outcomes for cats in their care.  What ties all these experiences together is a shared commitment to giving our animals the safe and happy lives they deserve. Every cat we help has a story, one defined by ordinary caregivers making the extraordinary decision to put their cats’ wellbeing first.  Supporting Cats One Community at a Time  Over the past month, much of my work has involved supporting residents doing their best to help cats in their local communities.  We recently began working closely with a Belmore resident caring for several cats and kittens by assisting with desexing appointments, kitten care, and rehoming support. By providing hands-on assistance and access to important vet services, we were able to help improve welfare outcomes for the cats while preventing future litters.  We also continued supporting an individual looking after a group of cats who had settled into an abandoned property near the carer’s home in Fairfield Heights. In addition to desexing these wonderful neighbourhood…

Aged 101 and 100 respectively, Bob MacArthur and Joan Bligh are lifelong animal lovers, who have generously supported RSPCA NSW over many years.  The lively duo, who had never met before, were recently invited on a tour behind the scenes of our Sydney Adoption and Education Centre, to celebrate becoming centenarians and to see first-hand how their support helps with the work we do for animals.    Effortlessly wearing platform heels, Joan took a special interest in our kitten and cat adoption areas, where felines are waiting for their forever homes.   As she nursed one gorgeous kitten, Joan explained her love of animals was ingrained from an early age.   “I was a country girl and was bought up to treasure them,” Joan told 7 News, who were there to cover the visit.    Bob, meanwhile, is a devoted dog lover and couldn’t keep away from our canines.   The World War II veteran, who owns a dog called ‘Tuppence’, believes there is nothing quite like the companionship of a dog.   “Yes, I always have been [a dog person]. You get more love back from a dog than you can possibly give them,” Bob said.   When asked what he would say…

RSPCA NSW is appealing for public assistance after 14 cats were left abandoned inside three carriers on Woodlands Road, Taren Point.  A member of the public discovered the cats, which had no access to food or water, in the grassland on 11 June 2026.  None of the cats were microchipped and were subsequently taken in by RSPCA NSW where they are receiving appropriate care. Where the carriers were found among the grassland on Woodlands Road, Taren Point. Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act NSW 1979 (POCTAA). Individuals found guilty of abandonment under POCTAA face up to six months of imprisonment and or fines of up to 50 penalty units.   RSPCA NSW Inspectors are urging members of the public with any information, including potential CCTV footage, to please come forward.  Anyone with information is urged to contact RSPCA NSW at 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or 9770 7555. 

RSPCA NSW is appealing for public assistance after a young, male Rottweiler was found dumped inside a wheely bin at Keirle Park, Manly. The wheely bin at Keirle Park, Manly where the dog was found.  The dog was found by a member of the public in the early hours of June 11, 2026, and presented to a veterinary clinic. It had a deep wound on the right side of its body and was in a very poor body condition with overgrown nails. The Rottweiler is currently in a stable condition and receiving required veterinary treatment. RSPCA NSW Inspectors are urging members of the public with any information, including potential CCTV footage, to please come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact RSPCA NSW at 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or 9770 7555.

RSPCA NSW is proud to announce the development of a new Community Desexing Clinic in Condell Park, designed to improve access to preventative veterinary care for underserviced communities in Western Sydney.  The clinic, the first of its kind in NSW, will allow RSPCA NSW to focus exclusively on targeted desexing and initial vaccinations and microchipping for animals being desexed, ensuring these essential services are accessible to eligible low-income residents who may otherwise be unable to access veterinary care.  The site will also allow the expansion of RSPCA NSW’s community outreach services, helping to build healthy, thriving communities while supporting more people and their pets in Western Sydney and across the state.  The development of the facility was made possible by a $6.8 million grant from the NSW Government through its Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, which supports transformational infrastructure projects throughout the area. Together with a $1.35 million co-contribution from RSPCA NSW, the grant will enable the creation of the $8.15 million clinic.   From left to right: RSPCA NSW Senior Manager of Infrastructure, Karen Thorne, RSPCA NSW Senior Manager of Outreach, Education and Crisis Support, Dr Ann-Margret Withers, RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Dr Liz…

Keeping Cats Safe at Home Project Update: Small Steps, Big Impact for Cats Across NSW  As the Keeping Cats Safe at Home (KCSAH) Education Officer, a huge part of my role is helping people better understand what cats need to live safe, healthy and enriched lives.   Whether it’s speaking with families at community events, visiting schools and libraries, or supporting conversations around responsible cat care, I’m constantly reminded that education can be one of the most powerful tools we have to create lasting change for cats.  Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to see that impact in so many different ways, from children learning how to gently interact with cats for the first time, to community members taking their first steps toward keeping their cats safe at home.  Connecting with Communities  In April, the Keeping Cats Safe at Home team joined the Northern Beaches Council and Animal Welfare League for the Paws for Stores activation at Bunnings Balgowlah.  It was an excellent opportunity to speak with local cat carers about cat enclosures, desexing, and practical ways to help cats live…

A woman from Western Sydney has been convicted of two offences contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) (POCTAA) following the seizure of two Maltese dogs in September 2025.   The defendant was sentenced at Windsor Local Court on March 26, 2026, after earlier pleading guilty to two charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment for dental disease and flea infestation, and poor body condition and matting, respectively. She was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month Conditional Release Order, ordered to forfeit all animals in her care except for one cat, and disqualified from owning or otherwise caring for animals for five years with the same exception. Animal care costs were awarded to RSPCA NSW totalling $13,709.   The woman was already known to RSPCA NSW when an inspector attended her property in September 2025 in response to a report about a Maltese dog in poor body condition with matted fur.   Upon the inspector’s arrival, the woman presented two Maltese dogs that were both in poor body condition with hips, ribs and spines protruding. The fur of both dogs was also heavily matted with patches of fur missing from their backs.   Both dogs were heavily matted and visibly underweight.  The woman told the inspector that the dogs had not been to the vet…

What is panleukopenia?  Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), also known as feline parvovirus, is a highly contagious virus. It is similar and closely related to parvovirus in dogs. However, dogs can’t catch it from cats. What are signs of panleukopenia?   Common signs of infection include very low energy, loss of appetite, 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. The incubation period is between two and 14 days. This is the time frame between the cat’s contact with the virus and the appearance of clinical signs. Cats can shed the virus into the environment two to three days before they show symptoms. This means infected cats can infect others before they show signs that they are sick. Symptoms of the virus (see above) are usually visible five to seven…

RSPCA NSW is teaming up with Happy Staffy Co this May to help find homes for staffies ready for adoption.   Over the last 12 months, over 400 staffies have been successfully adopted from RSPCA NSW shelters and found their happy ever after.  Staffies are one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia due to their loyal nature and love for people.    Sadly, a number do end up in RSPCA NSW shelters for a range of reasons and unfortunately some staffies can end up waiting far too long for their forever homes.   Ghost is one of our current staffies available for adoption and he has been waiting over 500 days for his forever home. The five-year-old is described as an affectionate goofball with a real love of toys and being able to stretch out in the sun or on the sofa.   Wilson is another staffy that has been at RSPCA NSW for hundreds of days now and patiently waiting for the right person to come along. While the 10-year-old is missing a leg, he’s still got so much love to give and just needs the right home to call his own.   As with any…

A Project Update: Supporting Safe-at-Home Cats Across NSW 🐾  As the Keeping Cats Safe at Home program continues to grow, it’s become increasingly clear that making life safer for cats doesn’t happen overnight. Though not wholly unexpected, our project has proven that change is a lengthy, but worthwhile, process. One that starts with small commitments, practical support, and empowering people to feel confident to do things a little differently.  Just this last month alone has proven how powerful this process can be. Whether it’s a cat being desexed, a carer learning how to manage a small colony, or a family exploring ways to keep their cat safely at home, these moments all pave the road to lasting change for cats across NSW.  Building the Foundations for Safe-at-Home Cats  A safe-at-home lifestyle looks different for every cat and every household. For some, it starts with desexing. For others, it’s about enrichment, transitioning to spending more time indoors, or simply understanding what their cat needs to feel safe and stimulated at home.  Across NSW, we’ve now supported the desexing of 5,211 cats, reaching 61% of our 8,500 overall project desexing target, with several councils already meeting or…

Transitioning Your Cat to a Safe-at-Home Lifestyle  Keeping your cat safe at home is one of the most effective ways to protect their health, safety, and overall wellbeing. A “safe-at-home” lifestyle means preventing your cat from roaming freely  while still meeting all their needs within a secure environment: this means meeting their physical and behavioural needs while keeping them entirely indoors or while providing them with safe outdoor access through the use of limited enrichment spaces like a catio or enclosed yard.  There are significant benefits to getting your cat used to the safe-at-home lifestyle. Cats kept safe at home live, on average, up to 10 years longer than cats allowed to roam. This is because roaming cats regularly face risks to their physical wellbeing, from road accidents and dog attacks to disease, getting lost, or fights with other cats. In fact, 2 in 3 cat owners have reported losing a cat to a roaming-related incident.  The idea of keeping your cat at home can feel like a big change, especially if your cat is used to going outside. But, with the right planning, setup, and patience, most cats can successfully adopt a safe-at-home lifestyle and go on to live happy,…

Ahead of National Pet Day on April 11, RSPCA NSW is celebrating a touching adoption story that highlights the power of the human-animal bond.   After over 500 days in RSPCA NSW’s care, Ravvy, formerly known as Bubba, recently found her forever home and has formed a truly special bond with her new owner.   Ravvy, a seven-year-old Cane Corso, was often overlooked due to her large size and waited over a year for the right person to come along.   That right person was Stephanie, who stumbled upon Ravvy’s profile online and couldn’t resist coming down to meet her.   “I had an English Mastiff before Ravvy and I was heartbroken when he died,” Steph said.   “I was like, ‘I’m never getting another dog’, but then I saw the pictures of Ravvy on the website…I came down to meet her and she was just beautiful.”  Ravvy was taken home initially on a trial adoption to ensure it was a perfect match for all involved.  “She was great from day dot, but she’s really finding her feet now and starting to show…