Shelter Update – Sophie the Dog

RSPCA NSW acknowledges the recent social media attention surrounding a Google review detailing the euthanasia of a dog named Sophie.

It is essential to clarify the following:

• In late October 2024, Sophie came into RSPCA NSW’s care through our Inspectorate as part of a large group of animals.
• These animals were seized from two people previously disqualified from purchasing, acquiring, taking possession or custody of animals for five years.
• Sophie presented in very poor condition and was severely fearful on intake, indicating a traumatic background.
• Sophie displayed very complex behavioural needs. Although she received significant veterinary and rehabilitation support from our team of vets and behaviour experts, she was unable to be made available for adoption and required further rehabilitation and support.
• Behaviour foster care was considered, but no suitable behaviour foster carers were available to meet her needs. Additionally, both of our behaviour and rehabilitation centres were at full capacity and unable to accommodate her transfer.
• Our Behaviour and Rehabilitation team worked closely with Sophie to try and build trust and to provide her daily opportunities to leave the safety of her kennel and meet her needs. Despite this, Sophie continued to display overwhelming fear and anxiety.
• After weeks in our care, Sophie’s fear and avoidance remained overwhelmingly high. She was still unable to leave her kennel to toilet, exercise, sniff, or explore—basic activities essential for her physical and mental health. Sophie also started to exhibit physical symptoms of chronic stress, further highlighting her deteriorating condition.
• After careful assessment and consideration of all options, the decision was made to euthanise her to prevent further distress and suffering.

Euthanasia is one of the most confronting aspects of animal welfare, and it is a responsibility that RSPCA NSW does not take lightly. These decisions are always a last resort, made with the utmost care, compassion, and only following thorough exploration of all possible alternatives.

We encounter animals from all walks of life; pets, injured strays and survivors of cruelty and neglect. We strive to rehabilitate and rehome – particularly when animals require special behavioural or medical care. But when an animal’s welfare is so severely compromised, we must make sad and tough decisions to prevent further suffering.

Our staff dedicate their expertise, compassion, and love for all creatures great and small, to support each animals’ journey with us. We also appreciate the vital role our volunteers play in helping us care for animals in our custody, and we recognise how difficult these decisions are for people who love animals as much as we do. However, as an organisation committed to upholding the welfare of animals, we cannot shy away from this responsibility when it is necessary.