News and Updates

RSPCA NSW celebrated the grand reopening of our newly renovated Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital and over 50 years of service in the region on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.  The event marked the completion of a significant redevelopment, made possible by a $1.8 million investment from the NSW Government and the generous support of our animal loving community, which resulted in hospital’s expansion of surgical and treatment spaces, new consulting rooms and isolation wards.   The funding also provided the hospital with modernised veterinary equipment including a new ultrasound machine, a digital x-ray machine, dental equipment, surgery tables and a steriliser for surgical instruments, known as an autoclave.  These upgrades were part of a broader $10.5 million grant provided in 2021 to enhance RSPCA NSW shelters across the state.  Established in 1974, the RSPCA NSW Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital services animals throughout the entire Far West NSW region, with some clients travelling upwards of 200km to seek treatment for their pets. In…

RSPCA NSW supports the timely and necessary review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) (CAA). In our submission last month, we made 11 recommendations focusing on strengthening companion animal and animal welfare legislation coverage, improving minimum standards for companion animals in pounds and shelters, and removing barriers to responsible pet ownership.   In an important next step for the Review, RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Dr Liz Arnott and General Counsel, Kathryn Jurd attended the NSW Office of Local Government Consultation Forum today, to participate in analysing key themes of the submissions, consider barriers and opportunities, and shape companion animal legislative reform in NSW.    This is a crucial part of RSPCA NSW’s advocacy to improve animal welfare. It is vital that both POCTAA and the CAA are reviewed in a comprehensive way to ensure the currently aged legislation is amended to bring welfare-oriented companion animal management to the people and animals of NSW.  Our comprehensive submission draws on almost 100 years’…

Opened in February 1962 and originally named the RSPCA Dogs’ Home, the Central West Shelter has, over the decades, grown into a vital refuge for all creatures great and small—from caring for animals awaiting adoption to rehabilitating those rescued by our Inspectorate team.  For more than sixty years, the shelter has been a place of hope and second chances. Thousands of animals have been adopted into loving homes, reunited with their families, or given a fresh start—all thanks to a community that never stopped showing up.  While the physical shelter will close its doors tomorrow (12 June 2025), RSPCA NSW’s commitment to the Central West region remains strong. Through our Orange Supporter Group, Inspectorate services, and ongoing community outreach and events, our focus will shift to prevention and early intervention—helping people and animals before they reach crisis point.  “What made the Central West Shelter so special wasn’t just the bricks and mortar. It was the people. The staff, volunteers, foster…

Now that winter is upon us, it’s important to ensure your pets are keeping warm, happy, and healthy. Don’t let their adorable fur coats fool you: pets are not immune to the cold! If you feel a noticeable chill in the air, chances are your animal companion does too.  Keeping Pets Warm, Dry, and Safe  Dr. Liz Arnott, RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, emphasises the importance of the three W’s – Warm, Waterproof, and Windproof – for any animal sleeping outside. Whether you’re looking after farm animals or outdoor pocket pets, remember to follow these guiding principles when keeping your animals safe.   Warm: Provide plenty of blankets or towels for (for cats and dogs) or dry straw for pocket pets, for bedding to keep your pets protected against the elements.   Waterproof: Ensure that your animals’ bedding is dry and protected from dampness, taking care to make sure they’re appropriately covered and elevated from the ground in the case of rain or…

RSPCA NSW is thrilled to announce the opening of a new dog sensory garden at the Sydney Adoption Centre, a dedicated space designed to enhance the wellbeing of dogs in care. The sensory garden will allow dogs to experience a rich and stimulating environment while waiting to find their forever home. Senior Manager of Animal Care, Georgie Caspar, explains: “Encouraging dogs to explore the natural environment isn’t always easy to achieve in an urban shelter setting. Our new sensory garden provides an invaluable space for our dogs to engage with their surroundings, navigate the complex shelter environment, and meet some of their emotional needs.” “By giving them a chance to interact with different canine-friendly plants, we’re creating a unique and enriching space for the dogs and puppies in our care.” Research indicates that a dog’s sense of smell is directly linked to its emotional state (Rooney & Parr-Cortes 2023). Exposing dogs to novel scents not only increases happiness (Fountain et…

RSPCA NSW has made the difficult decision to permanently close our Central West Shelter, with operations gradually scaling back from early June. Animal adoptions will continue during this period, until our last trading day on 12 June 2025.

For too many animals across our shelters and foster network, every day is the same: another morning waking up without a family, another night without a home to call their own.  Right now, over 300 cats and dogs are waiting. Hoping. Wondering if today will be the day someone chooses them. But the heartbreaking truth? Most will still be waiting tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.  Companion animals in our care are now staying an average of 46 days before finding their forever homes – a 69% increase in just two years. That’s not just a number. That’s a growing stretch of time filled with uncertainty, loneliness, and longing.  And every extra day comes at a cost.  The Growing Cost of Care  With the rising cost of living affecting every corner of our community, more and more families are making the agonising decision to surrender their beloved pets. In the past year alone, we’ve seen a 52% spike in animals waiting…

If you and your pets have been affected by the recent floods, we’re here to help. In partnership with the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC), RSPCA NSW will be hosting community relief events to provide essential supplies, guidance, and on-the-ground support for flood-impacted pet owners.  Upcoming Relief Events:  South Kempsey Date: Wednesday, 28 May Location: South Kempsey Community Centre, 48 Yarravel St Time: 10am–2pm Stop by for free pet food and essential supplies. A vet will also be onsite to provide animal health advice and support to members of the community. Please note, a decision has been made to no longer allow animals at the event because of the risk of disease transmission. There are reported high levels of canine parvo virus in the region, and we do not want to put any dogs at risk of infection. Pet supplies will be available for affected pet owners and although no animals are permitted, there will be a vet on site available to provide animal health…

Due to extreme wet weather conditions impacting various regions, several Million Paws Walk events have been cancelled or postponed.  The following walks have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled:  Sydney – Village Green, Bicentennial Park  Taree – Taree Showground  Port Macquarie – Tuffins Lane Sportsground  The following walks have been postponed to Sunday, 29 June 2025:  Illawarra – Reddall Reserve  Shoalhaven – Lions Park, Burrill Lake  These locations are experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding, resulting in unsafe conditions. Registrants of cancelled events will have the option to donate the cost of their ticket for a tax-deductible donation or receive a full refund.  We know how disappointing this news is for our loyal supporters, who have been by our side, walking to fight against animal cruelty since our first Million Paws Walk event over thirty years ago. Although this is not the outcome we had hoped for our last ever Million Paws Walk celebration, the safety of our animal loving…

During National Volunteer Week, we come together to celebrate and recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers. It’s a time to reflect on the vital work they do and express our gratitude for their tireless efforts. But we want to emphasise that our appreciation for volunteers goes beyond this week — it’s felt every single day, in every moment they give to caring for our animals. Whether it’s tending to gardens, picking up cats for desexing, answering calls in our contact centre, caring for animals in shelter, walking dogs, folding laundry, or offering a warm smile to an animal in need — every role makes an enormous difference to the lives of animals who need us most, playing a part in saving and transforming the lives of the animals in our shelter.   “They may think that they’re only doing a small part of the day, but it makes a really big difference.” says Lily, Animal Attendant. We’re endlessly grateful for…

RSPCA Ranks First in YouGov Charity Rankings for Fourth Year in a Row! This ranking is based on the Donor Consideration Score, a score that measures the likelihood of a charity receiving a donation tomorrow, in which RSPCA scored 31.6. Being a trusted 150-year-old charity, we’re extremely proud of this achievement which reflects our dedication and commitment to animal welfare. We are grateful and honoured to be able to continue to advocate for the care and protection of vulnerable animals. As a not-for-profit organisation, we appreciate and value all our incredible volunteers, donors and supporters who are vital to the work we continue to do. RSPCA sees thousands of animals each year turn to us in need of rehoming, veterinary care and rehabilitation services. Our organisation is committed to giving our furry friends a voice through education, awareness and advocacy to raise present and future generations with kindness, empathy and love towards animals. We want to take this opportunity to…

If you’ve recently paid our Sydney and Hunter Veterinary Hospitals a visit, you may have noticed the signs around our clinic and waiting areas stating that: “We handle all cats gently and with respect – we do not scruff.“ While handling all animals with respect has always been a part of our Animal Management Policy, we’ve furthered our commitment to animal welfare by signing a pledge with International Cat Care. With our signed commitment, we’ve promised to refrain from using methods of restraint (such as ‘scruffing’) that cause unnecessary and unjustifiable stress to the cats and kittens in our care. What is Scruffing? Scruffing or gripping a cat by the loose skin on the back of its neck, can trigger an increase in protective emotions such as fear, anxiety, frustration (and potentially pain). This is because cats who are handled this way lose their sense of agency and control. What is the Psychological Impact on Cats? Avoidance is a coping mechanism in stressful situations and…

On Anzac Day, we solemnly reflect on the courage of those who gave their service and loyalty to our country. We remember the troops and animals who fought bravely alongside each other through warfare and served our country with bravery and honour.  The 24th of February is the National Day for War Animals in Australia. However, on ANZAC day, we also value and acknowledge the contributions of animals in war.  Donkeys, horses, mules, cats, dogs, birds, turtles and more, all made valuable and often unique contributions, providing comfort, support and helping the troops in the trenches and on the battlefield. Donkeys and horses provided a means of transport, dogs served as guards, pigeons were messengers and many more served as mascots.  The Australian War Memorial has a gallery dedicated to these animals to remember them and their stories.    Feline Friends  Cats were an imperative part of life in the trenches, helping to ward away rats and mice and supporting…

Easter is a joyful time filled with family, food, and fun – but for our furry friends, it can be unexpectedly dangerous. Every year, the RSPCA and vets across the country treat pets – especially dogs – for chocolate toxicity and other holiday-related risks. To ensure this Easter remains safe and happy for everyone, here are some simple tips and important info every pet owner should know. Keep Your Pets Out of the Easter Egg Hunt It might be tempting to include your dog in your Easter egg hunt – but please keep chocolate eggs and their foil wrappers well out of reach. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. This is because chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and caffeine which, if ingested, are extremely toxic and even lethal for our pets. While all chocolate is risky, dark and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous. Just 50g can be fatal if ingested by a small dog. Symptoms…

A 55-year-old wildlife carer has been convicted of committing an act of aggravated animal cruelty, after failing to provide veterinary treatment to an eastern grey kangaroo in her care, resulting in it being in such a physical condition that it was cruel to be kept alive. The woman had been volunteering as a WIRES carer at the time.   On 9 April 2025, the defendant appeared in Windsor Local Court where she was sentenced following a lengthy hearing over nearly 2.5 years, which had taken place at Katoomba Local Court.    The kangaroo came into the defendant’s care in October 2020 with serious injuries after being caught in a fence. The offence arose from the defendant’s failure to seek necessary veterinary treatment for the kangaroo between 20 February 2021 and 8 March 2021. An eminent veterinarian and expert in wildlife health and conservation told the Court that the animal needed to be humanely euthanised from at least 20 February 2021 because of…

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a team from Skills Insight to provide insights into the Veterinary Nursing industry. We were invited to discuss the essential skills needed for Veterinary Nurses and explore potential gaps in the training offered through RTOs.

To assist those impacted by Cyclone Alfred, our Emergency Response Team recently set up pop-up relief points across the NSW north coast, including Tweed Heads, Mullumbimby, and Lismore. We are incredibly grateful to these communities for welcoming us in, allowing us to do our part in supporting people and their beloved animals. At these events, we saw firsthand the resilience and strong bond between people and their pets and our team were able to help over 160 pet owners and their families by providing essential pet supplies for approximately 255 animals.  Dr. Marnie attended the Lismore event and provided vital veterinary care, assessing pets for skin conditions, heart murmurs, and abscesses, while also offering advice on feeding, desexing, and behaviour. Moments like these reaffirm why we do what we do—helping people and animals, especially in times of need. A special thanks to our friends at Petbarn Foundation for their continued support of our work.

A 58-year-old Armidale man has been convicted and sentenced at Armidale Local Court after pleading guilty to four offences against the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) (POCTAA). He is now serving an aggregate term of imprisonment of eight months, with a non-parole period of four months for:  Failing to provide veterinary treatment for emaciation, dehydration and intestinal worms, resulting in the death of a male Maremma sheepdog;  Failing to provide veterinary treatment to a female Maremma sheepdog for emaciation and intestinal worms; and  Committing an act of cruelty on both dogs by tethering them to a log in a manner that left them exposed to the extremes of weather, unable to access sources of food or water, and unable to adequately move or exercise – conduct that caused the dogs significant suffering and distress.  The man was also convicted with no further penalty for failing to comply with two written notices issued by RSPCA NSW, which had…

Our Emergency Response team will be at Nesbitt Park, South Lismore distributing essential pet supplies to community members affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  Residents and their four-legged friends are encouraged to visit our staff and volunteers between 10:30am – 3:30pm to collect pet food and supplies proudly donated by the Petbarn Foundation  Date: Saturday 22 March Location: Nesbitt Park, Casino Street, South Lismore Time: 10.30am – 3.00pm 

Our Emergency Response team will be at the Byron Shire Council Chambers distributing essential pet supplies to community members affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  Residents and their four-legged friends are encouraged to visit our staff and volunteers between 10:30am – 3:30pm to collect pet food and supplies proudly donated by the Petbarn Foundation Date: Tuesday 18th March 2025 Location: Byron Shire Council Chambers, 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM