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 home watching Netflix’ is an insult to their professionalism, courage, and compassion. Our inspectors have never been instructed to ignore cruelty reports, nor to withhold assistance to animals in need. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and cause real harm to those on the front line of animal welfare.
- Cruelty Investigations: The reference in the article to a cruelty matter involving an 11-month-old puppy is currently the subject of an active investigation. To comment further would risk jeopardising the outcome. Rest assured, when we can share more information, we will. Contrary to the article, this matter is not under an ‘internal investigation’ and never has been.
- Online Cruelty Portal: At the beginning of June, we made the decision to close our online cruelty portal to ensure our workforce can focus on substantiated cruelty complaints. Our cruelty hotline has always remained operational, fully staffed, and responsive to ensure reports are triaged and acted upon accordingly.
Like many not-for-profit organisations, we face real challenges in meeting the growing demand for our services with finite resources. While funding from both government and the community is essential, our commitment to animals is not conditional. Every call that comes to our cruelty hotline is assessed and prioritised and our inspectors continue to respond to complaints every single day.
RSPCA NSW remains committed to our mission to protect and improve the welfare of animals across the state. We welcome oversight and accountability, as all not-for-profit organisations should, but we will always stand firm in defending the integrity of our staff and the truth of our work.
For anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare, we urge you to contact our cruelty hotline on 1300 278 3589, where reports continue to be logged and acted upon.
