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…