News and Updates

A woman on the north coast of NSW has been convicted of animal cruelty offences arising from her operation of a dog breeding business. She pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment to a female Dachshund named ‘Lucy’ for an open, infected laceration on the dog’s leg. A further offence of failing to provide vet treatment to Lucy and her three puppies for hookworm was taken into account on a Form 1.   In addition, the woman pleaded guilty to six offences related to breaches of the Animal Welfare Code of Practice – Breeding Dogs and Cats, which sets minimum standards for animal breeding establishments in NSW.  Appearing in Coffs Harbour Local Court on 23 October 2025, the offender was convicted of each offence and fined $500 for failing to provide vet treatment to Lucy. In relation to her non-compliance with the Code, the Court imposed a 12-month Conditional Release Order. She was disqualified from owning or having any involvement in the care of animals for a period of two years, with an exception for two desexed dogs that must be identified to RSPCA NSW. The offender must also pay animal care costs amounting to $9,632.17.  As a result of the convictions, the offender must not breed animals or…

Rocky’s whole world fell apart when the person he loved most had to leave him behind. One day he had a family, a routine, a place to feel safe. The next, he had nothing. Rocky stayed with us at one of our Behaviour and Rehabilitation Centres. At first, he flinched at touch. He froze in fear. He didn’t know how to trust. But slowly, with patience, kindness and love, everything began to change. Thanks to generous animal lovers, Rocky was given the time he needed to heal. And one beautiful day, he walked out of our shelter and into the arms of a new family. Today, Rocky is safe. He is loved. He is home. But he isn’t the last animal who will need help. Sadly, Rocky’s story is one we see all too often.  Every single day, people across NSW are forced into the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their animals. This year alone, we received 8,199 calls that contained…

The average life expectancy of a cat is 12-16 years. However, this expectancy is significantly different for cats that live safely at home and those who are allowed to roam outdoors. The leading causes of death in outdoor cats are infection and trauma, resulting in an average life expectancy of 2-5 years for outdoor cats (Zoran and Buffington 2011). Contained cats, on the other hand, live for an average of 12-18 years (Abbate 2019), although many can live into their early 20s. Outdoor cats can be exposed to more significant hazards than safe at home cats. The most notable examples of these hazards are accidents involving cars, which include both being hit by cars and being crushed underneath cars while asleep. Cars that have recently been driven still have warm engines, which may appear to cats as warm sleeping areas. Unfortunately, this often results in them being hidden from view of the unsuspecting driver who drives off, injuring or killing…

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…

RSPCA NSW is thrilled to announce that Santa Paws is coming to an RSPCA NSW Shelter near you! On Saturday, 6 December, our shelters will be the centre of the most paw-some Christmas photo op of the year, so get your family and fur-friends ready to strike their best festive pose.  One of our most joyful annual traditions, Santa Paws brings pets and their devoted guardians together for a day filled with wagging tails, Christmas cheer, and adorable keepsake photos. Whether your companion is furry, feathered, or scaled, our experienced staff will be present to ensure it remains a fear free event, giving you and your pet the space to snap a picture you’ll treasure long after the tree comes down.  Whether you’re looking to light up your socials or craft the perfect Christmas card, this event will be the perfect chance to grab the heart-melting festive photo of your dreams. Digital photo packages start from just $20, with every dollar raised going directly to the animals in our care.   Spots for Santa Paws always fill up quickly, and bookings are essential. To secure your session at the Hunter Shelter or the Sydney Adoption Centre, it’s as easy as booking online here and paying on the day.  If you’re looking to snap your perfect Christmas pic at the Illawarra…

RSPCA NSW is seeing first-hand a rise in tick cases as the weather warms up.  These tiny parasites can cause huge problems, including paralysis or even death for our beloved pets.    The first signs of tick paralysis include a change in bark or meow, vomiting and wobbly back legs. As the paralysis worsens, it is common to see breathing difficulties, weakness, inability to walk, loss of the ability to blink, inability to swallow and eventually, collapse. It is important to note that not all animals show the same clinical signs, and any one of these symptoms should prompt owners to seek veterinary attention immediately, especially if you live in a tick area. Without treatment, affected animals are very likely to die.  Whilst previously considered more of a summer concern, paralysis ticks are becoming increasingly prominent all-year round in NSW.   “It certainly seems like our traditional experience with paralysis ticks being a summer issue is no longer the case,” RSPCA NSW Veterinary Policy and Projects Officer Kate Drew said.   “Specialist hospitals have…

If you find kittens on the street, it is very normal to feel concerned and feel the need to rescue them, but the first step is to assess the situation., You can follow this decision tree to calculate the kittens’ age and help you to know what to do. 0-4 Weeks Old The best chance of survival for kittens at this age is to stay with their mother. Mum’s milk is perfect for them. She keeps them warm and protects them. You can watch the kittens from a distance, or you can come back later to see if their Mum comes back for them, as she may just be away trying to find food. Another good idea is to spread flour around the kittens and watch for mum’s paw prints. You should only remove kittens if they are in danger or visibly injured. In those cases, you should either relocate them to a safer place or take them to the…

As Australia braces for scorching summer temperatures, it’s essential to remember that it’s not just people who suffer in the heat. In fact, many of our pets are especially vulnerable. Heat stress can be life-threatening even after a few short minutes. Some animals can’t cool themselves down as effectively as humans, especially if they are kept in confined spaces and are unable to move themselves out of the sun or heat (like cages for birds and hutches for small mammals). Here are some tips on how you can keep your pets safe, comfortable, and hydrated during heatwaves and warmer weather.  Cool Water and Shady Spots When it’s hot outside, our pets can struggle to regulate their body temperature. Some species and breeds are particularly vulnerable in the heat. Rabbits and birds don’t cope well in heat and humidity and can quickly succumb to heat stress. Dogs and cats with short faces (known as brachycephalics) commonly suffer from heat stress, which…

RSPCA NSW’s Illawarra Shelter will be temporarily closed to the public from Monday 17 November to Friday 21 November while essential roadworks are carried out on the main entry driveway.  During this time, there will be no public access to the shelter, including for adoptions or general enquiries. Normal operations are expected to resume on Saturday 22 November.  Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Caring for guinea pigs can be a lot of fun.  These little guys are gentle, social, and full of personality. However, just like any other pet, caring for them comes with important responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is desexing.   Prolific Breeders Guinea pigs are “precocial”, which means they are born more mature and independent than baby animals of many other species. As a result, female guinea pigs become fertile from 4 weeks of age. This makes unplanned and unwanted pregnancies common. On top of that, guinea pigs are prolific breeders, typically having 2 to 4 pups per litter up to 5 times per year! And those pups can then go on to have pups of their own, and things can quickly get out of hand. Caring for that many animals is very difficult, which is why recommend desexing your guinea pigs. Talk to your vet about the best time to desex your guinea pigs and keep males and females…

On Tuesday 14 October 2025, at a property in the Hawkesbury region, a team of RSPCA NSW Inspectors executed a search warrant. A total of 46 animals were seized including 15 dogs and puppies, three roosters, eight chickens and 20 chicks. All animals remain in our care, where they are undergoing veterinary assessment and treatment as required. RSPCA NSW Inspectors previously seized a chicken from the same property in July 2025. The chicken was transported to a veterinary hospital but unfortunately died in care before receiving treatment.   This is part of an ongoing cruelty investigation. If you have animal welfare concerns, please call RSPCA NSW to investigate on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358).

Phase two of RSPCA NSW’s Keeping Cats Safe at Home Project officially launched on Sunday 26 October at the RSPCA NSW Sydney Adoption and Education Centre.  The initiative started in 2021 as a pilot program supported by the NSW Government and its Environmental Trust with the aim of keeping cats healthy and happy at home, whilst also protecting native wildlife.   Cats threaten the survival of many native animal species through predation and are estimated to hunt close to two billion native mammals, birds, and reptiles in Australia each year.   We also know that two-in-three cat owners have lost a pet to a roaming-related accident, with a third of these involving cars.  During phase one of the Keeping Cats Safe at Home program, RSPCA NSW developed and implemented a holistic human behaviour change strategy to protect both cats and wildlife through partnering with 11 diverse NSW councils.   Key results from the pilot program include:  A reduction in free-roaming cats by…

RSPCA NSW is set to turn up the sparkle this November with our inaugural Drag Bingo Night, bringing together fabulous entertainment, prizes and community spirit to help animals in need.  Hosted by the glamorous drag queens, LayDee KinMee and June Richards, the event will take place on Friday 14 November at St Johns Park Bowling Club, offering guests a night of laughter, entertainment and surprises alongside bingo, a raffle and a silent auction.  Funds raised from the event will go directly towards supporting the thousands of animals cared for by RSPCA NSW each year. More than 11,073 animals came through our shelter doors in the past 12 months, that’s 30 animals seeking refuge each day.    “Drag Bingo is something brand new for us and we couldn’t be more excited to launch it,” said Ben Wilheim, Community Fundraising Manager at RSPCA NSW.   “We wanted to create a fun, unique night out where people can enjoy themselves with friends, family and…

With the warmer weather returning, RSPCA NSW has received an increase in calls from concerned residents about blue-tongue lizards appearing in backyards, gardens, and driveways.  Many fear they are dangerous (one was even recently mistaken for a baby crocodile!), lost or injured — but in most cases, these charming reptiles are doing just fine. In fact, having a blue-tongue in your yard is an honour, and great for the garden!  So why are there suddenly more blue-tongues around?  Blue-tongues are emerging from brumation, the reptile equivalent of hibernation, to bask in the sun and resume activity.   These reptiles are harmless and are unable to cause harm to humans or your pets. They aren’t venomous and generally only open their mouth, hiss, or bluff if they feel threatened. To avoid them having a nibble on your fingers, leave them alone (unless they are in imminent danger).   Leave them be  If a blue-tongue feels safe in your backyard, allow them to stay! …

With Halloween fast approaching, many of us are eagerly getting ready for a season of spooky fun. Although the festivities can give us the chance to flex our creative muscles, it’s important to remember to keep our companion animals’ lives scare-free.   Visits from strangers, crazy costumes, spooky decorations, and treats can all impact both wildlife and our beloved pets at home.   “It’s important to remember that animals don’t understand events like Halloween like we do,” says RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Liz Arnott. “While unfamiliar people, creepy costumes, and a higher volume of visitors aren’t generally concerning for us humans on days like Halloween, these encounters can be stressful and intimidating for many of our pets.”  Dr. Arnott urges pet guardians to keep their furry friends away from any trick-or-treaters paying you a visit. Aim to set them up in an area of the house where they feel safe and where you can create a barrier preventing them from rushing…

A husband and wife have been convicted of animal cruelty, after pleading guilty to four offences contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) (POCTAA). The charges followed the couple leaving their 12-year-old cat locked in a bathroom with no source of food or water for four weeks.  Appearing in Wollongong Local Court on 15 August 2025, the two defendants, were convicted, a six-month Community Corrections Order imposed and fined $9000 each. They were both disqualified from purchasing or keeping animals for two years. Animal care costs were awarded to RSPCA NSW totalling $2,388.    In facts tendered on sentence, the Court heard that in May 2025, an RSPCA NSW Inspector attended a property following a cruelty complaint about a cat being abandoned inside a house.  After two consecutive days trying to raise someone at the address and hearing a cat meowing from inside, a search warrant was applied for and granted at the NSW Local Court. The…

In early July 2025, an Upper House Inquiry was established to examine the Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025.   RSPCA Australia and RSPCA NSW provided a joint submission and gave evidence before the Committee, outlining our shared position that we do not support the Bill, which seeks to significantly alter the way recreational hunting has been regulated in NSW for more than two decades.  In the submission, RSPCA outlined five key reasons for opposing the Bill to amend the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 (NSW), including:  It poses significant risks to public safety and animal welfare and significantly weakens safeguards necessary to regulate hunting in NSW.   By creating a statutory right to hunt, replacing restricted licences, expanding access to hunt on Crown land, and broadening access to prohibited weapons, such as night vision equipment and firearm suppressors, it poses serious risks to public safety and animal welfare.   By replacing restricted licences and turning them…