News and Updates

As the Keeping Cats Safe at Home Education Officer, I spend a lot of time thinking about what lasting change for cats actually looks like.  Sometimes it’s immediate: a cat receives the veterinary care they need, a family makes a change at home, or a community member learns something new.  Other times, the work happening today lays the groundwork for outcomes we may not see until much further down the track.  As we move into spring, that idea of new beginnings feels particularly fitting. Over the past month, our team has been developing new educational resources, strengthening relationships with communities across NSW, supporting cats needing veterinary care and preparing for some of our biggest community activities yet.  All our endeavours look a little different, but together they’re creating a future where more cats can live safe, healthy and happy lives at home.  Teaching Safe Homes and Safe Habitats  One of my main priorities in August was developing a new Stage…

RSPCA NSW is calling on the community to be plover lovers this nesting season, as interactions between people and protective plover parents increase.  Sadly, since the start of nesting season, RSPCA NSW has received several reports of young people disturbing or harassing plovers in their local areas.  Plovers, also known as masked lapwings, are native birds and protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act.  They are commonly found in large grassy areas, where they usually lay their eggs on the ground in open spaces to better spot potential predators.  Plover eggs take about 28 days to hatch and while chicks become remarkably independent soon after hatching, their parents remain highly protective of their nests and young.  This protective behaviour can sometimes include swooping at people who come too close, but it is generally a warning display, and actual physical contact is rare.  Although swooping can be unsettling, it is important to remember that plover parents are simply trying to protect their…

On Thursday, 10 September 2026, RSPCA NSW Inspectors executed a search warrant at a property in South-West Sydney after previously issued written directions were not complied with. During the operation a large number of the dogs were found inside the dwelling. 88 dogs of various breeds were seized, including one deceased puppy. All surviving animals were admitted into our care, where they are undergoing veterinary assessments and receiving treatment as needed. RSPCA NSW Inspectors previously attended this property in July 2026, seizing 10 dogs and humanely euthanising one goat on veterinary advice. This takes the total number of animals seized from this property to 98.  This matter still remains under investigation. If you have animal welfare concerns, please call RSPCA NSW to investigate on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or 9770 7555.

Between 2 and 4 September 2026, RSPCA NSW Inspectors responded to three separate animal welfare matters across New South Wales, with 11 dogs and puppies seized and taken into care each day. All 33 dogs, including 14 puppies are now in the care of RSPCA NSW, where they are undergoing veterinary assessment and receiving treatment and support as required. All three matters remain under investigation. If you have animal welfare concerns, please call RSPCA NSW to investigate on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or 9770 7555.

Why bird flu matters for pets and wildlife animals  A highly contagious strain of avian influenza (H5N1), also known as bird flu, has been detected in multiple Australian states since June 2026. If you encounter sick or dead wild birds, the most important course of action is to avoid, record, and report it.  Avoid touching the bird, keeping pets and children away from the area.  Record the date, time, and location, and take a photo from a distance if it’s safe to do so.  Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).  Please do not present any birds to RSPCA NSW shelters. This risks spreading disease as well as putting the shelter animals at risk.  A national response program for H5 bird flu is in place. The situation is developing and advice may change as surveillance continues. With new cases being reported frequently, it’s important to stay across the latest information through government resources:  Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s website  NSW Government’s emergency bird flu page  But what is bird flu and how does it impact animal welfare? Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease that affects…

While Cupcake Day is a special day for RSPCA NSW each year, it’s one of even greater significance for Dubbo local Barbara.   Back in 2009, Barbara’s path crossed with a little dog in need, and she never looked back as they formed a powerful bond at a pivotal moment in both of their lives.   “She was found by the rangers about 5am on Cupcake Day 17 years ago. She was tossed against the pound gates up here in Dubbo,” Barbara said.   “Her age was indeterminate at the time, but she was probably a week old. They got her vetted and my husband worked at the council and one of the rangers who was in his department rang me and asked if I would foster her.   “I was going through a lot of personal stuff at the time, and I decided to go and have a look at her and that was the end of it.  “She fitted in my hand…

As Sharon celebrates 20 years with RSPCA NSW, we chatted about her amazing journey with the organisation and the many different badges she’s worn over the years!   Thank you, Sharon, for your many years of service and the countless animals and people you’ve helped along the way.   Can you believe it’s been 20 years since you started working with RSPCA NSW?  To be honest, it doesn’t feel like 20 years, it’s just gone so fast – as do many years when you think back to it. Definitely been a journey!  What led to your first role with the organisation?  I used to work in a production factory, I left there to have children and after my children hit school age, I wanted to go back to work. I wanted to do something meaningful and to give back to the community. I have a big affinity with animals, as many people do, so I was like, I might go volunteer at the RSPCA. I started volunteering there at the Hunter Shelter and as they say, the rest is history.  I started as an Animal Attendant and just worked my way up. I took a photo years ago of all the badges…

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.

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…