The RSPCA is calling on Victorians to pre-heat their ovens ahead of its sweetest fundraiser on 16 September: Cupcake Day.

Across the month of September home bakers, workplaces, and schools across the state can all host their own Cupcake Day fundraiser to support the RSPCA and sprinkle some kindness for animals in need.

RSPCA Victoria Events Manager Kate Kasby said she hopes community support for Cupcake Day will provide a much-needed boost amid rising operating costs.

“RSPCA Victoria, like so many others, isn’t immune to the rising cost-of-living, and Cupcake Day is a fun and sweet way for the community to give animals in need across Victoria the love and care they deserve,” Ms Kasby said.

“Last year, we had over 8,600 animals come through our shelters, with their care costing us millions.

“The money raised from Cupcake Day will contribute to providing care for these vulnerable animals.

“We’re also excited to have Ferguson Plarre back onboard as a sponsor this year, donating 50c for every eligible cupcake sold from Thursday 12 to Wednesday 18 September.

“It doesn’t matter where you are across the state, anyone can host a Cupcake Day this September and raise money to help animals in need.”

Ferguson Plarre CEO Steve Plarre said he’s excited to see what Victoria’s amateur bakers come up with across the state.

“It’s safe to say most people love two things in life: delicious cupcakes and safe, happy animals,” Mr Plarre said.

“RSPCA Cupcake Day means we get to experience the best of both worlds and every one of our eligible cupcakes sold between 12 and 18 September contributing vital funds to fight animal cruelty.”

How donations through RSPCA Cupcake Day make a difference:

• $36 gives heat pads, blankets and bedding to keep a puppy snuggly this winter
• $57 provides the life-saving milk needed to bottle feed a litter of abandoned kittens
• $91 helps our team transport animals, increasing their chances of finding their forever family
• $118 helps our expert surgeons desex a kitten, so they’re ready to find a loving home

Every registered fundraiser will go in the draw to win amazing prizes.

Register online today at rspcacupcakeday.com.au and check out some of the delicious recipes prepared along with great tips for first time party hosts.

RSPCA Victoria has released its annual Animal Cruelty Report as cost-of-living pressures impact thousands of animals across the state.

Those unable to afford veterinary care and those no longer able to afford the costs of providing for their pets are just some of the struggles RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors are seeing first-hand.

In the last 12 months 2,250 animals were seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate placing pressure on the capacity of shelter services.

Nearly 10,000 animal cruelty reports were made to RSPCA Victoria by members of the public in the 2023-24 financial year with the top reasons including:

1. Husbandry issues: such as lack of grooming, poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions, no farrier attendance, lack of shearing etc.
2. Underweight animals
3. Sick/injured animals where there has been insufficient, or no veterinary treatment provided

Acting Chief Inspector Michelle Green, said while malicious cruelty was still occurring, their team was helping struggling pet owners more than ever before.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to still see malicious cruelty still occurring in the community,” Acting Chief Inspector Green said.

“The types of malicious cruelty we’re seeing includes animals being beaten, small animals being used for live-baiting, and even cockfighting, though this type of animal cruelty is much less common than neglect.

“It’s an increasingly challenging environment out there following the pressures of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis is only compounding this.

“The majority of what our RSPCA Inspectors are seeing first-hand is just how much people in the community are struggling, and when people are struggling their pets are often affected.

“The majority of the animal cruelty we see is actually neglect as a result of people’s circumstances changing beyond their control, such as hospitalisation, financial pressures, or sudden joblessness, while other animals suffered due to owners simply not understanding how to care for their pets adequately.

“When they can, our Inspectors are offering help through emergency pet food to struggling households and other support such as the provision of donated kennels or bedding for pets and providing preventative flea and worming treatments.

“We’re also seeing people struggling to provide for the number of animals they have, whether that be households caring for unplanned litters from un-desexed pets, or people whose circumstances have changed and they’re no longer able to support their pets.

“If you are struggling to care for your pets you are not alone, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help and please don’t wait until your pet is suffering.

“People can reach out to us, to other community-based programs, to their local council or other groups that may be able to provide support.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors are working with the community to prevent animal cruelty before it begins, and when needed, providing a safe place for the animals in most need.

This year RSPCA Victoria announced it is increasing its community outreach work as part of its 2030 Strategy, with the aim of supporting people in the community to keep and care for their pets so that they don’t end up in shelters.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.

To view Victoria’s cruelty hotspots check out the interactive cruelty map.

RSPCA Victoria has issued an urgent call for experienced foster carers to care for some of the most vulnerable dogs and cats in the state.

Speaking about the need, Animal Care Manager Nadia Peiris said foster carers were essential in rehabilitating some of the most at-risk animals and enabling the rescue of more animals.

“The animals coming into RSPCA Victoria’s care, particularly those coming in via the Inspectorate, are some of the most vulnerable in the state,” Ms Peiris said.

“Many of these animals have experienced cruelty and neglect in some form. Some need assistance to recover from surgery or illness, while others are struggling to cope in the shelter due to its stressful environment and stretched resources. Many are also fearful due to what they’ve experienced in their previous home.”

“While these animals are now safe from the dangers they faced, the best possible environment for them to recover isn’t in a busy and crowded shelter, rather, in a loving home with someone who knows how to help them.

“We are specifically seeking individuals without any current pets, who can offer support to animals requiring assistance in adapting to a loving home. We also need those who can monitor and care for animals during their recovery from illness and surgery. In addition, we require experienced carers who understand behavioural issues and have an interest in behavioural rehabilitation.”

“All foster carers have 24-hour vet assistance, and all food and veterinary care costs are covered along with training and ongoing support.”

Around 1,500 animals in RSPCA Victoria’s shelters need foster care each year, with dogs and cats the most commonly cared for animals, along with rabbits and guinea pigs.

One such foster carer is Carolyn Field who has been providing a temporary home for 147 cats over six years.

“Fostering for the RSPCA brings me joy and a sense of purpose,” Ms Field said.

“I chose to foster for the RSPCA because I wanted to help animals but I didn’t want the pressure of finding their forever homes. The system works perfectly; I provide the home, love and time and the RSPCA provide the supplies, support, the vet care and do the adoptions.

“I cherish the camaraderie each time I visit the shelter where the like-minded, animal loving team work together and always make me feel welcome and valued. I have encouraged three others to become foster carers. It works around uni, work and life commitments and is so rewarding.

“It’s the best thing I’ve done. I’m part of an amazing team making a real difference to helping to end animal cruelty and I love it.”

People interested in finding out more or wanting to apply to become a foster carer can find out more online: rspcavic.org/foster-care-program

RSPCA Victoria’s annual creative writing competition, Pawsome Stories will keep the Olympic flame burning a little longer for Victorian children in grades 3 – 6 this year.

With a fiction theme of ‘My pet is a secret Olympian’, RSPCA Victoria, CEO, Dr Liz Walker said she hopes to see stories of goldfish swimming glory, cats sport climbing and dogs taking to the basketball court or skateboarding to victory.

“Every year we receive amazing stories from children about their pets or animals, and it is such a delight to read them and feel the energy and passion our young people have for the creatures around them,” Dr Walker said.

“Writing about animals is an excellent way to foster awareness of animal welfare among children while having some fun.

“In previous years we’ve had cat ninjas solving crimes, flying dogs and helpful dragons, I can’t wait to see what we receive this year.”

The Pawsome Stories competition runs from 15 August to 7 October 2024 and participants can choose to write either a fictional story about ‘My pet is a secret Olympian’, or a non-fiction essay about ‘How animals make our lives better’.

“We hope that Pawsome Stories sparks an interest in animal welfare that will benefit both the child and the adult they grow to be, ultimately creating a kinder future for animals,” Dr Walker said.

Young writers can join the competition by submitting their entry at rspcavic.org/pawsome-stories/ before 7 October.

Finalists will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at the RSPCA barn in Burwood, with prizes up for grabs including a trophy, Dymocks voucher and a visit to the RSPCA barn for the winning children’s whole class.

Runners up will receive a Dymocks voucher and an Adoptables plush toy.

For more information visit: rspcavic.org/pawsome-stories/