Cupcakes fund second chances for dumped labs

Every dollar raised for RSPCA Cupcake Day helps fight animal cruelty and gives animals a second chance at life.

Fighting animal cruelty is not only about investigating alleged offences. It also means being there to provide veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and a safe place to recover when animals have been abandoned, neglected or mistreated.

Like the family of eight labradors, including puppies, who were found dumped in Kilkivan (near Gympie) in early July this year.

Pictured: Winston and Scottie, two of the abandoned puppies.

The story made headlines when these abandoned, lonely, scared and hungry labradors were found dumped at Kilkivan Golf Course.

Social media went into a frenzy, with the community trying to track down owners and get help to these gorgeous dogs by contacting council and the RSPCA. No owner could be found.

All of the dogs were terrified and wary of the people trying to help them. But council officers and volunteers refused to give up, returning to the golf course day after day with food, patience and plenty of gentle encouragement.

Slowly, the dogs began to trust them, until each one could be safely rescued and brought into care to receive the treatment, comfort and support they desperately needed. After the rescue, five puppies and two adult dogs were transferred from Gympie Regional Council into the care of RSPCA Queensland, while the eighth dog found a safe home with a caring member of the community.

Once they arrived, our teams got to work preparing them for the next chapter of their lives. Each dog received a behaviour assessment, desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, and any other medical care they needed before being matched with their loving forever homes.

Among the litter was one particularly special puppy who arrived missing an eye, but that didn't stop them from quickly capturing the heart of an RSPCA Queensland team member, who decided to make them part of the family.

The same community spirit that helped bring these dogs to safety continues through the support of people who fund their care.

 Funds raised through this year’s RSPCA Cupcake Day help RSPCA Queensland provide this care to animals arriving at our shelters every day, giving them the support they need to begin a happier new chapter.

This Cupcake Day

• $32 you raise can provide toys and treats to enrich the life of an animal in our care.
• $56 could provide one week of antibiotics for an animal recovering from surgery.
• $118 you raise helps our expert surgeons desex a male kitten, so he’s ready to find a loving home.

After receiving this life-changing care, the puppies were quickly adopted by wonderful members of the community. The two adult dogs (remain in RSPCA Queensland’s care, but are slowly building confidence. Staff are providing ongoing behavioural support, training, exercise, stability and a safe environment to help them rebuild trust and prepare for loving homes of their own.

Pictured: Scottie has now been adopted.

Pictured: Winston one of the puppies has now been adopted.

By taking part in RSPCA Cupcake Day, you’ll help animals who have been mistreated, abandoned or are in urgent need of care.

Every dollar raised helps RSPCA Queensland rescue animals, provide the veterinary treatment and behavioural support they need and give them the best possible chance of a safe and happy future.

Register for free on the RSPCA Cupcake Day website to receive a free host party pack containing a guide, decorations, posters and earn rewards for every fundraising tier reached!

Anyone with information that could assist is encouraged to contact RSPCA Queensland on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).