Report Cruelty Donate

Our role

The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country
Go to Our role

Animal welfare science

Caring for animals

Farm animal welfare

Public education

Advocacy

Enforcing the law

Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.
Go to Key issues

Farm animals

Sport, entertainment & work animals

better than live export hero banner
Priority issue
On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
Live sheep export

News

Here you'll find the latest news relating to the RSPCA's vital work, press releases on national events, education on animal welfare issues, animal welfare science updates and our very own podcast covering a range of current topics.
Go to News

Blog

Media centre

Podcast

take action live sheep export alternate
Media release: Live sheep export unfixable, unnecessary, unacceptable – and now, soon to be unlawful
Read the media release

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA
Go to Support us

For individuals

For businesses

National events

An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet
Donate now to support your local RSPCA and make a difference to animal welfare across Australia
Donate

Learn

The RSPCA aims to make evidence-based research accessible to the community, so that they can have confidence in the choices made when it comes to animal welfare.
Go to Learn

Knowledgebase Offsite

Animal Welfare Seminar

Animal Welfare Science Update

Education resources

Cage free and proud

Responsible sourcing

Key information

Domesticated animals

Non-domesticated animals

Aquatic animals

RSPCA Approved Standards

AWS2025 Website Image 2000x2000 v2
RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2025
Animal ethics and animal welfare…
Learn more

About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
Go to About

Annual reports

Annual statistics

Board & governance

Scholarships

Join our team

Our history

Contact

about us national statistics
Read our National Statistics
Compiled on a national basis by RSPCA…
Annual statistics

Adopt

By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.
Go to Adopt

Adopting a dog or puppy

Adopting a cat or kitten

Adopting other animals

Responsible pet ownership

adopt a pet logo
Visit the Adopt A Pet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet
Contact Us
RSPCA Approved Farming
Report Cruelty Donate
Report Cruelty Donate
Subscribe now! Keep up to date with the latest animal welfare news
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Blog
  4. Animal Welfare Wrap-up: Volume #11

Welcome once again to our ‘Week in Animal Welfare’ roundup. Get comfortable in front of your keyboard and click through to read the latest news in animal welfare.

This week, there's been news on brachycephalic dogs (like French bulldogs, bulldogs and pugs) and greyhounds, plus well-deserved recognition for Prof Paul McGreevy and a peek behind the scenes at our RSPCA NSW Sydney shelter.

 

Study Identifies The Likely Genetic Mutation Responsible For Smooshed-Faced Dogs
https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2017/05/study-identifies-the-likely-genetic-mutation-responsible-for-smooshed-faced-dogs/

A new study published in Current Biology looks at brachycephaly in dogs – the name for the smooshy-faced trait in some dogs as a result of selective breeding techniques – and what the exact genetic mutation is that causes it. As the story states, “Smooshed-faced dogs, aka brachycephalic dogs, may be cute, but their wide face and bug eyes aren't doing them any favours. Respiratory distress is common, and they tend to get more ocular injuries than other dogs.”
You can also read more about how brachycephaly affects the welfare of dogs at LoveisBlind.org.au

Call out for greyhound adoptions
https://m.qt.com.au/news/call-out-for-greyhound-adoptions/3182707/

Greyhounds make fantastic pets and there are many out there looking for forever homes: “Ex-racing greyhounds are in oversupply and there is now a call-out for people to foster or adopt the dogs with rescue agencies unable to keep up with demand.” If you’ve ever thought about fostering or adopting a greyhound, we have a great booklet to help you build a lasting relationship with your future greyhound and understand their needs.

Dog wellbeing pioneer Prof McGreevy awarded in UK for life’s work
http://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2017/05/29/dog-wellbeing-pioneer-prof-mcgreevy-awarded-in-uk-for-lifes-work.html

Professor Paul McGreevy has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Canine Health Awards for his contribution to canine welfare and behaviour, including his work with VetCompass and Dogmanship. Professor McGreevy was the University of Sydney’s first Professor of Animal Welfare Science and focuses on research into dog welfare and behaviour.

 A look inside the RSPCA in NSW
https://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/watch/35694809/inside-the-rspca-the-morning-show/#page1

Channel 7’s The Morning Show visited RSPCA NSW’s Sydney shelter to discover how animals come into the organisations care, are looked after and readied for adoption. If you’re looking to add a furry, finned or feathered friend into your home, check out the incredible animals waiting for their forever homes on Adoptapet.

 

subscribe box

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.