News and Updates

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…

After a wet and chilly winter, many of us will be itching to enjoy the sunshine with our pets. But Spring can introduce new challenges.  From allergies and grass seeds to the unexpected insect bite, it’s worth being proactive about your pet’s wellbeing as we move into the warmer months.    Allergies Like us, animals can suffer from environmental allergies. Spring is peak season for pollens from trees and flowers and grasses to be floating around and irritating our pets. Some pets may develop red, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. A lot of pets with allergies to pollens and grasses suffer from skin irritations caused by allergic dermatitis, so keep an eye on their feet and the hairless areas like their underarms and bellies. Allergic pets will often lick and scratch these areas, leading to secondary bacterial infections. These only make the problem worse! Watch out for inflamed areas and unusual rashes and monitor how much your pet scratches…

Last week our Emergency Response Team was out in the community at three events – The Hills Emergency Expo, the Hawkesbury Get Ready event, and the Ku-ring-gai Get Ready event. These events are all about engaging with the community on emergency preparedness, and our team was there to remind everyone to always include their animals in their emergency plans. Some highlights from the events: We had the privilege of being set up alongside the incredible volunteers from NSW SES and the RFS – it was truly inspiring to work alongside such dedicated organisations. Across the events, a range of emergency services shared vital preparedness information and live demonstrations to help communities stay safe. It was a real community atmosphere, with groups like the Girl Guides, plenty of furry friends, and even a few special guests – some miniature ponies!   We’re also excited to share that the Emergency Response Team is currently recruiting volunteers to join us in Byron Bay…

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has officially been recognised as the 7th Abbott World Marathon Majors event, placing it in the same prestigious league as the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City Marathons. This makes the Sydney Marathon 2026 one of the most sought-after running events in the world and an unforgettable experience for anyone passionate about running, fitness, travel, or giving back.  Join Team RSPCA for this incredible international marathon experience for YOUR chance to be part of history while making a life-changing difference for the thousands of animals waiting for their second chance.  Enter the Sydney Marathon 2026 ballot  The Sydney Marathon 2026 ballot is open from 24 September until 17 October. With last year seeing 80,000 entries with only 35,000 places available, demand is expected to be even higher this year.  Don’t miss out – enter the ballot here and auto-select RSPCA NSW as your charity of choice.   Become a Superstar and…

In October 2024, a Parliamentary Inquiry was established to inquire and report on the management of cat populations in New South Wales.   RSPCA NSW provided a detailed submission and gave evidence before the Committee, based on our extensive experience working on holistic, ‘One Welfare’ approaches to cat management that balance the interests of the environment, cats, and the people who care about them.   Thanks to the assistance of the NSW Environmental Trust, RSPCA NSW were able to trial a human behaviour-change approach to cat management – Keeping Cats Safe at Home – that proved highly successful. Keeping Cats Safe at Home combined targeted cat desexing programs, which directly addressed cat overpopulation, with an education and engagement campaign to increase cat caregivers’ knowledge and confidence in preventing their cats from roaming. The four-year project was associated with reductions in the free-roaming cat population, cat-related nuisance complaints to council, and reductions in council pound cat intake and euthanasia.  In our submission,…

RSPCA’s Cupcake Day is in full swing as animal lovers across the country get baking to help raise funds to support our rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming efforts.  In 2025, the annual fundraiser is as flexible as ever: participants can hold their event any time throughout September – anytime, anywhere, and with any sweet or savoury treats they most enjoy.  RSPCA NSW has already been blown away by some amazing contributions from some of this year’s Cupcake Day hosts.     Earlier this month, Leonie Bedford spent an entire day baking and took her delicious goods to a stall at the Blacktown Drive-In markets.  Despite having over 50 sweet treats on offer, she sold out by 9:35am and raised an incredible $640 in the process.  Having recently lost two of her own beloved pets, Leonie felt it was a ‘no-brainer’ to combine two of her greatest passions for a cause she believed in.   “I’d really like to inspire others to do the…

Research conducted by NSW Trustee and Guardian in 2023 showed that 60% of NSW residents do not have a legal Will document in place. For those of us with loved ones we want to support even after we’re gone, writing a Will is one of the most important things to tick off our to do list. It’s the only way to ensure that the people, animals, and charities you want to support when you die, can be supported by what you leave behind. Even if you feel you don’t have anything to give, a Will helps those you leave behind understand how you want to be remembered. Leaving a gift to RSPCA NSW in your Will is a beautiful way to ensure your love lives on. This September, you can Write your Will for free with RSPCA NSW and Safewill. A Legacy of Love: Real Stories from Gift-in-Will Supporters We’re deeply honoured to be able to share the heartfelt stories…

More than 11,073 animals came through our shelter doors at RSPCA NSW in the past 12 months, that’s 30 animals seeking refuge each day. These animals have been neglected, injured, or mistreated through no fault of their own.  Before an animal can take their first steps into a loving home, RSPCA NSW gives them the care and attention needed to start their new life on the right paw. Our dedicated teams ensure each animal receives vital health checks, desexing, microchipping, and vaccinations. For some, it’s also a journey of healing, with training, life-saving surgery and rehabilitation helping them overcome the challenges of their past.  Your generosity makes every procedure, every gentle hand, and every moment of patience possible, bringing an animal closer to the day you help them find their forever family.  You’ll be helping animals just like Buddy…  After arriving at our Central West Shelter, Buddy was severely neglected and underweight, needing urgent care. Too nervous around other dogs, he…

This September, RSPCA is calling on all animal lovers to indulge in a little sweet treat and participate in one of the nation’s most delicious fundraisers, Cupcake Day.  Participants can host a Cupcake Day event any time throughout the month of September at any location, including schools, workplaces, outdoor picnics or home, with all funds raised going directly to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need.  “Cupcake Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy a sweet treat with your work colleagues, classmates, family or friends, while contributing to the care of thousands of animals across the country,” said RSPCA NSW Community Fundraising Manager, Ben Wilheim.  “Just last year, over 81,000 animals turned to the RSPCA for shelter, love, and warmth. By hosting your very own Cupcake Day event, you can help serve up the kindness, compassion, and care that every animal deserves.”      Whether it’s baking cookies, quiches, muffins, donuts, or even creating an antipasto grazing platter to share,…

RSPCA NSW rejects allegations published today in the Daily Telegraph that our inspectors are ignoring reports of animal cruelty. These claims are not only factually incorrect, but they deeply undermine the extraordinary efforts of our staff and volunteers who dedicate their lives to protecting animals.  Every day, RSPCA NSW inspectors, veterinarians, shelter teams, and volunteers work tirelessly across New South Wales to investigate cruelty reports, rescue animals in distress, and provide them with care and rehabilitation.   Last month alone, RSPCA NSW impacted the lives of 3,818 animals across the state through rescue efforts, veterinary intervention, cruelty complaint responses and community outreach. And we will continue to do this month in and month out, regardless of funding uncertainty or any other challenges that come our way.   On the allegations reported:  ‘Watching Netflix’ due to a ‘tools down’ order: All RSPCA NSW employees work tirelessly, often in emotionally charged situations, to protect animals who cannot protect themselves. To portray them as ‘sitting…

At RSPCA NSW, we believe in a world where people and animals live together in harmony. Making a vision like that a reality wouldn’t be possible without you: our incredible community of donors, volunteers and supporters who generously devote your time, energy, and resources to helping animals and pet owners in need. Your compassion and commitment are truly the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re out in the shelter looking after our beautiful shelter stars, working behind the scenes, offering support to vulnerable pet owners, or donating to keep our services running, you are making a real difference. Your generosity empowers us to provide life-saving care, advocate for better animal welfare laws, educate communities across New South Wales, and offer ongoing support to both devoted pet owners and the animals they love. Every day, we witness the impact of your kindness. We see it in the eyes of a dog who’s found a loving home, in the purr of…

We recently had the joy of bringing our pop-up People and Pets Community Day to the vibrant community of Orange. Bringing neighbours and their furry family members together, the event gave the community a chance to let their love for animals shine. Together with 55 devoted pet guardians from 37 households, we supported 64 wonderful animals (including 38 dogs and 26 cats), providing essential services and veterinary supplies, and strengthening the bond between people and their pets.  We were absolutely stunned by the devotion and initiative shown by our attendees. A total of 42 family pets were signed up to be desexed, with dozens of pet carers taking a huge step to prevent unwanted litters and health problems associated with breeding. Additionally, eight adorable animals were microchipped on site, ensuring they can be safely returned to their families if they find themselves seperated from their home.  The sense of community defining the event was made even more striking thanks to…

As August is National Pet Dental Health Month, we would like to shine a light on how to keep your pet’s oral health in check. Feeding your pet a healthy, balanced diet is one way to reduce the risk of dental problems.    Dental issues can be distressing for your pet, meaning it is very important to have regular dental health check-ups at your veterinarian. Learning to identify the signs and symptoms of various dental complications yourself can also prevent the escalation of serious dental health conditions. These conditions can be serious if left untreated, not only causing pain and disease in the mouth but may also result in infection of the kidney, heart and liver – so it is vital for pet parents to learn how to keep their furry friends safe from disease.   Dental Disease in Dogs  Dogs can develop a range of dental problems including broken teeth, misalignment of the teeth, infections and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is…

It’s easy to assume that our pets and livestock feel the cold the same way we do. However, the truth is far more interesting and complex. Animals have their own “comfort zones,” known as the thermoneutral zone (TNZ), understanding these zones is essential to keeping your animal happy and warm this winter.  What Is the Thermoneutral Zone?  The thermoneutral zone is the temperature range of within which an animal can maintain its body temperature without needing to use extra energy to warm themselves up or cool themselves down.   Thermoneutral Zones for Common Animals  Some of these may surprise you:  Rabbits: 15–21°C  Horses: 5–25°C  Dogs: 20–30°C  Birds: 25–30°C (may be higher in tropical species and lower in passerines and poultry) Cats: 30–38°C  However, these ranges can vary based on factors like age, health, and acclimatisation. Whether the animal is exposed to wind or rain will also affect how comfortable they are.  Understanding the TNZ for various species can help animal guardians…

Operation Wanted is an annual initiative aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership by offering discounted desexing services for cats and dogs. This campaign, which runs from June 1 to August 31, provides pet owners with a 20% discount on desexing procedures at participating veterinary clinics across Australia. Why Desexing Matters Desexing your pet offers numerous benefits: Reduces desire to roam Eliminates the risk of unwanted litters Cheaper council registration fees Reduces risk of unwanted litters Cheaper council registration fees Reduces risk of some cancers Reduces aggressive behaviours in dogs Reduces behaviours such as urine spraying in cats How to Participate Register Online: Visit operationwanted.com.au to register your pet. Receive a Unique Code: After registration, you’ll receive a unique discount code via email. Book with a Participating Vet: Present your code when booking an appointment at a participating veterinary clinic. Important Information Eligibility: The discount applies to both cats and dogs. Procedure Details: Desexing is a routine surgical procedure performed under…

This September, RSPCA’s Cupcake Day is back once again to raise funds to help provide love, care, shelter, and warmth to animals in need.  Last year, 81,669 turned to the RSPCA for help and Cupcake Day offers a sweet and delicious way for our community to support their journey from the moment they enter our doors until they find their forever families.  “Cupcake Day is the sweetest month in our calendar and we’re excited to have it back for another round! It’s the perfect excuse to share a treat with colleagues, friends, schools, and family members while making an enormous difference to the lives of the animals in our care,” said RSPCA NSW Community Fundraising Manager, Ben Wilheim.  “Cupcake Day is all about hosting, sharing and caring! The RSPCA would love to see everyone get involved by hosting an event to show animals we care.”  Your Cupcake Day event can be held any time in September, so pick a date that…

Chocolate is one of the world’s favourite treats—rich, sweet, and delicious. But while chocolate is a safe treat for humans, it can be very dangerous for our furry friends. If you have pets at home, especially dogs, it’s important to know why chocolate is toxic to them and how to keep them safe. What Makes Chocolate Toxic to Dogs? The key culprit is a compound called theobromine, which is found in cocoa—the main ingredient in chocolate. Unfortunately, dogs and some other animals cannot metabolise theobromine as effectively as humans can, making it poisonous to them at certain doses. The concentration of theobromine varies depending on the type of chocolate. For example, cocoa powder, baking chocolate and dark chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine compared to milk chocolate. Chocolate poisoning is mostly seen in dogs, but cats and other animals can also be affected. It’s especially crucial to keep your pets away from chocolate during holidays and special occasions like Easter,…

Losing a pet is one of the most profound experiences of grief we can face. For many, our animals are more than just companions – they are members of our family, our closest confidants, and daily sources of comfort and joy. When they pass, the silence they leave behind can feel overwhelming. But that heartbreak is not something we should so readily push aside – it’s a reflection of a deep, irreplaceable bond.The grief we feel is real, valid, and deeply human. As R.M. Drake beautifully conveys inDog People: “They come into our lives, not to teach us lessons, but to teach us how to love without conditions.” This simple truth captures what makes our bond with animals so powerful. Their love is unconditional. Their presence is constant. And their loss can shake us to our core. At RSPCA NSW, we want you to know that it’s okay to grieve. There’s no one way to process the loss of a…

In response to the devastating recent floods in Northern New South Wales, our team mobilised quickly to support pet owners and their beloved animals in some of the hardest-hit communities. Over the course of eight days, we held four Community Relief Points across the region — in Kempsey, Taree, Raworth, and Wingham — offering animal health advice, assistance and vital pet supplies to those in need. At each location, our team met members of the community who love their pets very much. We listened to their stories and helped make sure their beloved animals had what they needed — food, bedding, leads, carriers and health advice. We distributed many pallets of supplies, each one hoping to bring a bit of hope and care during a difficult time. We provided on-the-spot animal health advice and compassionate guidance to pet owners trying to navigate the challenges with their beloved companions by their side. Throughout it all, we offered support and kindness, knowing…

On Wednesday 11 June, we proudly hosted our first ever Animals in Emergencies Conference at our Sydney Education Centre.   This conference was a first of its kind in Australia. What set this event apart from other disaster conferences was its inclusive focus on all animals, companion pets, wildlife, and livestock.  The event brought together professionals from 40 diverse organisations across animal welfare, wildlife groups, emergency services, government agencies, and NGOs to strengthen collaboration and improve outcomes for animals during emergencies.    The event was full of expert insights on emergency response and animal welfare, interactive sessions to share strategies and solutions and the chance for professionals across sectors to network. With a high calibre speaker line-up, and an audience with an impressive amount of experience, the room was full of energy and collaboration.   We’re excited to share that together we’re building a stronger, more compassionate future for animals and the people who care for them the most.   A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible — our attendees and our…