Increase in cruelty reports prompts free help for pet owners in the City of Bunbury

The City of Bunbury recorded the second-highest number of animal cruelty reports of any regional local government area in Western Australia last financial year.

In response, RSPCA WA will be holding a community outreach day later this month offering free support for local pet owners.

In FY26, RSPCA WA received 191 cruelty reports from within the City of Bunbury, more than any other local government area in the South West. Outside of Perth, only the City of Greater Geraldton recorded more reports (200), while the City of Albany was third with 138.

Carey Park was the suburb that generated the most reports in the City of Bunbury, increasing 21 per cent from 47 reports in FY25 to 57 in FY26.

Across the local government region, reports relating to insufficient care were the most common, increasing from 90 to 97, while harmful confinement and restraint reports rose by almost 50 per cent, from 30 to 44.

The figures are in line with a state-wide trend of pet owners experiencing increasing financial pressure and struggling to afford essentials such as veterinary treatment, parasite prevention and pet food.

In response, RSPCA WA will hold a Community Action Day in Bunbury, offering free support including pet health checks, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, pet food and expert behaviour advice.

Pet owners in need can access the support at Hay Park North Pavillion on Parade Road in Withers on Friday 20 November from 11am to 2pm.

RSPCA WA Chief Operating Officer Hannah Dreaver said the organisation was increasingly focused preventing welfare issues before they escalated into cruelty concerns.

“When someone contacts us with their concerns, it generally means an animal is already experiencing poor welfare outcomes,” Ms Dreaver said.

“Often, it’s because issues that started out relatively small and manageable have gone untreated. That’s why Community Action Days are so important. They connect pet owners with practical support before a manageable issue becomes a serious animal welfare concern.

“We know most people love their pets and want to do the right thing. Sometimes they just need a bit of help with food, parasite treatment, microchipping, desexing information, or access to advice.

“Keeping pets healthy and with the families who care about them is better for the animals, better for owners and better for the community.”

Last financial year, RSPCA WA’s Community Action Day program supported more than 1,800 pet owners across Western Australia and delivered over 800 health checks, 1,400 parasite treatments and around 2.5 tonnes of pet food.

The Bunbury Community Action Day will provide:

• Free health checks for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens (bookings mandatory for cat and kittens on the RSPCA WA website).
• Free microchipping (not available for litters or breeders).
• Free flea and worm treatments for dogs and cats.
• Free pet food and supplies for families experiencing financial hardship.
• Educational information about pet care and responsible ownership.

All dogs must remain on leads at all times. Please notify staff upon arrival if your dog is reactive.

Unvaccinated or newly vaccinated puppies need to be carried. All cats must remain in the carrier.

RSPCA WA thanks the City of Bunbury, Vetwest, Vets Beyond Borders, and volunteers for their support.