RSPCA Victoria is reminding Victorians to keep toxic treats away from their pets ahead of the Easter holiday period.

Dr Melissa Meehan, Director of Veterinary Services at RSPCA Victoria, says Easter is a hazardous time for dogs and cats.

“Easter is potentially a very dangerous time of year for your pets,” Dr Meehan said.

“Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but other food like hot cross buns are also dangerous, because they contain sultanas and raisins, which can cause serious health problems for pets.

“Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which is why it’s toxic for dogs and cats, while fruit like grapes, sultanas and raisins can also cause kidney failure.

“Please don’t take a ‘wait and see’ approach if your pet eats these toxic foods, because time is of the essence and this can cause permanent damage to their health or even result in their death.

“It’s important to take any ingestions seriously, especially if you’re not sure how much your pet has eaten.

“It’s potentially already a life-threatening situation if your pet is showing symptoms so, please do not wait.”

Dr Meehan also warned the Easter Lily, a popular gift at Easter time, poses a serious risk to cats.

“Lilies pose a very serious risk to your cat’s health because every part of a lily plant is toxic to cats,” Dr Meehan warned.

“The petals, leaves, stem, and even pollen are all potentially life-threatening for your cat, even in small amounts.

“Death can occur as soon as one or two days after ingestion due to damage caused to the kidneys and unfortunately, they don’t have to eat much.

“Call your vet immediately if you fear your cat may have ingested even a tiny part of a lily, even if they were just cleaning the pollen off their fur.”

If your pet has eaten chocolate, symptoms may include restlessness, excitement, hyperactivity, nervousness, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking and urination, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and possibly death.

Dr Meehan also warned against gifting rabbits as a surprise gift at Easter.

“Rabbits are a complex species to look after and animals should never be a surprise gift,” Dr Meehan said.

“If you are thinking of gifting a rabbit, check with the giftee before you do so and make sure they are prepared.”

Tips to keep your pets safe this Easter:

• Plan ahead and know the location of the nearest emergency vet clinic and have their contact details ready.
• Keep chocolate, hot cross buns, and lilies out of reach from pets.
• Act quickly if you suspect your pet has consumed anything dangerous and get them to the vet clinic as soon as possible.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe visit: rspcavic.org/learn/easter-tips.

Get ready for an overload of adorable; the RSPCA Pet of the Year Awards are now open, inviting pet parents across Victoria and New South Wales to show off the furry, feathery, and fabulously quirky companions who brighten their lives.

From cheeky cats and big-hearted dogs to bouncy rabbits, majestic birds and every lovable creature in between, this feel‑good competition celebrates the pets who make every day a little brighter.

The RSPCA Pet of the Year Awards aren’t just about showing off the cutest faces (though there are plenty): every vote will help fund RSPCA’s ongoing work rescuing animals, providing care to those in need, and helping ensure animals can live better lives.

Speaking about the competition, Community and Events Fundraising Manager Kate Kasby said it is open to all creatures great and small.

“Whether your pet is a rescue triumph, a social‑media superstar, or simply your everyday hero, there’s a category for them and more than $25,000 worth of prizes up for grabs,” Ms Kasby said.

“We are asking pet parents across Victoria and New South Wales to show us why their pets are so special.

“This campaign is an amazing opportunity to come together, watch the cuteness unfold, and know your support helps RSPCA rescue, rehabilitate and rehome thousands of animals who deserve a second chance at love.

“By taking part in this campaign, whether by entering, voting or sharing, you’re helping us continue our vital work and create brighter futures for animals across our community.”

Categories include:

• Cutest Dog
• Cutest Cat
• Best rescue
• Adorable other
• Influencer categories for those with their own social media following!

Entries are open until 13 April 2026, with public voting beginning 15 April.

Visit www.petoftheyearawards.com.au to enter and learn more.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have rescued more than 580 animals since the start of 2026, up 24% compared to the same period last year.

This included seizing 21 cats and kittens from a single property on 17 March after receiving a report about suspected hoarding in north-west Victoria.

This most recent seizure marked the seventh time RSPCA Victoria Inspectors removed more than twenty animals at a time from different properties so far this year.

Ongoing cost-of-living pressures, un-desexed pets, and hoarding situations appear to be the culprit behind many reports, with nearly 100 kittens arriving at RSPCA Victoria’s shelters during this time, while over 170 cats and 120 dogs also came into RSPCA Victoria’s care.

Also entering RSPCA Victoria’s care were horses, chickens, a goat, turtles, ducks and a rodent.

RSPCA Victoria’s Chief Inspector Michelle Green described the conditions many of these animals were found to be living in.

“Some animals came from hoarding properties and were living in squalid living conditions, with no natural light or ventilation, with an accumulation of decades of excrement and the deceased remains of other animals,” Chief Inspector Green said.

“The animals coming in had a variety of health conditions, including those who had been abandoned and starved, others suffering with fleas, dermatitis, matted fur, and ear and eye conditions.

“Our shelter and veterinary teams have done an amazing job accommodating all the animals coming into our care, and I’m so proud of the resilience our Inspectors have shown in dealing with these often complex cases.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate currently has over 900 open and active investigations across the state and continues to educate, enforce and issue legal notices under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986).

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.

It’s estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $12.8 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.

RSPCA Victoria has successfully prosecuted a 62-year-old woman and a 62-year-old man from Loddon Shire, who each pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) and were fined $1,000 each with conviction on 12 February 2026 in the St Arnaud Magistrates Court.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended the Loddon Shire property after a concerned member of the public reported a goat with an abnormal limb angulation and obvious lameness.

The animal’s owners confirmed they were aware of the goat’s injury and had failed to arrange veterinary care for the animal.

An RSPCA Victoria veterinarian reported that the fracture was severe, likely sustained weeks to months earlier, and would have caused significant and obvious pain to the animal.

“This severe fracture to the fetlock of the goat would have resulted in significant pain and unnecessary suffering.” the veterinarian said.

“The leg’s unnatural angle was obvious, and timely treatment should have been provided to the animal.

“The bone’s clear structural damage would have developed over time, indicating the injury likely carried ongoing infection, inflammation, and obvious discomfort.

His Honour Magistrate Hoare found the charges of animal cruelty proven and imposed a fine of $1,000 on each accused.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said that failing to provide appropriate treatment or veterinary care for a sick or injured animal is a cruel and serious breach of an owner’s responsibilities.

“Failing to provide appropriate treatment or veterinary care to an obviously debilitated animal is illegal,” RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said

“Turning a blind eye to its need for medical intervention was cruel and entirely preventable,”

“RSPCA Victoria is committed to defending animal welfare and ensuring every animal has the right to a life without pain or suffering.”

The relevant offences fall under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986), and anyone found guilty of cruelty offences can face fines of up to $50,877.50 or 12-months’ imprisonment.

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

It’s estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $12.8 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.