Pet owners must 'wake up' to deadly summer dangers

20 February 2023

RSPCA WA is fed up with ‘sickening and unnecessary’ animal suffering this summer, as cruelty reports climb.

Since 1 December, the animal welfare organisation has fielded more than 1000 reports of animals being abandoned, shut inside hot cars, and left to suffer without adequate food, water, or shelter.

Meanwhile, calls about all forms of cruelty and neglect are up nearly eight per cent, compared to the same period in 2021-22.

Last summer, two dogs tragically died after being tied up without shade or water in Perth backyards. And RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said more deaths were inevitable unless pet owners woke up to risks.

‘Heat distress causes immense pain and is a terrible way for an animal to die,’ she said.

‘So much of the suffering we’ve seen so far this summer has been completely unnecessary, and, at times, frankly sickening.

‘Walking into a backyard and finding a deceased dog is every inspector’s worst nightmare. And while we can hold these owners to account through prosecution, it’s a heartbreaking reality that we can’t get to every animal in time.

‘RSPCA WA is calling on owners to please step up and take those extra measures to make sure pets are protected from the heat.

‘If you wouldn’t stand outside with bare feet for hours without shade or water, don’t force your pet to.’

Two-year-old Staffy Cherry is a survivor of summer neglect. She was found starving, dehydrated and unable to stand, after being abandoned by her former owner. It was 39C on the day she was rescued.

Cherry required emergency vet treatment to save her life but has since made a full recovery and been rehomed. Her former owner was convicted of animal cruelty.

Cherry’s story highlights the importance of RSPCA WA’s current fundraising appeal to help keep animals safe in summer. To donate, visit rspcawa.org.au/cherry

RSPCA WA’s Summer Safety Checklist:

Never leave your pet alone in your car or ute
Make sure your pets have access to plenty of shade at all times during the day
Provide animals clean, cool water. Provide extra bowls/buckets in case one gets knocked over
If you have no alternative but to tether your dog, use a proper device that won’t tangle and make sure your dog has adequate shelter and water at all times
Keep your littlest pets in the shade or indoors

Latest

Dog groomer fined for animal cruelty

A 31-year-old Champion Lakes woman will have to pay $7,500 in fines and costs for slapping, forcefully throwing and otherwise roughly handling a dog during a grooming session.
Community Action Day - Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Free dog health checks, free flea and worming treatments and free pet food for families who might be experiencing financial hardship.
Administration Support Officer

RSPCA WA has an exciting opportunity for a confident, professional and personable individual to join our team in a frontline position which provides a high level of administration and customer service support for RSPCA WA.
RSPCA WA Pet Census – It's all love despite rising costs

Almost three quarters of WA pet owners celebrate their pet’s birthday, RSPCA WA’s annual pet census found, with over half saying their pet’s biggest impact in life is providing love and companionship.

Dog groomer fined for animal cruelty

A 31-year-old Champion Lakes woman will have to pay $7,500 in fines and costs for slapping, forcefully throwing and otherwise roughly handling a dog during a grooming session.
RSPCA WA foster care far from a drag

RSPCA WA recently published a Facebook post to attract much-needed foster carers for about 30 Burmese cats who were all named after drag queens. The response was overwhelming, with many of the cats now in homes.
Treatment of sick old dog 'outrageous' and 'disgusting'

In Midland Magistrates Court today a 54-year-old Eden Hill man was sentenced to six-months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for failing to seek medical care for his 18-year-old Labrador-cross named Bear. He was also prohibited from owning animals for five years.
Cost-of-living continues to bite WA pet owners

West Australian pet owners continue to feel the bite of the cost-of-living and housing crises, with both issues major contributors to a more than 40 percent jump in surrender requests.
Alleged failure to seek care for 18yo dog with large tumour

A 54-year-old Midland man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to seek medical care for his 18-year-old Labrador-cross dog.
$6k fine for owner who starved horses to 'skin and bone'

A 40-year-old woman from Champion Lakes has been fined a total of $6,000 for starving her two horses until they were ‘skin and bone’.
Make this Easter a safe one for your four-legged friend

RSPCA WA is urging pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals around chocolate this Easter following a shocking rise in calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline last year.
Million Paws Walk cancelled amid economic pressures

RSPCA WA has made the heartbreaking decision to cancel this year’s Million Paws Walk amid increasing cost-of-living pressures and mounting demands for the organisation’s services.
Man allegedly hid puppy after she suffered broken pelvis

A 46-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly failed to seek appropriate veterinary care for his puppy who had been hit by a car. It is also alleged he then tried to hide the puppy from RSPCA WA.
Million Paws Walk 2024 FAQ's

Million Paws Walk is an iconic event and a strong brand for the RSPCA with many staff, volunteers, supporters and donors having enjoyed it over the last 25 years in WA. However, the simple fact is that although it is RSPCA WA’s biggest annual fundraising event, ever increasing costs mean it is now prohibitive to stage such a large-scale activity.