Increase in cruelty reports prompts free help for pet owners in the City of Cockburn
RSPCA WA has recorded a 72 percent increase in calls about animals in the City of Cockburn suffering from untreated medical conditions.
Since 1 January this year, the animal welfare organisation has received 79 reports from suburbs within the local government area of owners failing to alleviate the harm their pets are suffering, up from 46 for the same time in 2025.
This is on the back of a six per cent increase in total cruelty reports from the area last financial year compared to 2024-25 – from 310 to 328.
The increases are in line with a state-wide trend of owners finding it increasingly difficult to afford the basics of animal care such as vet treatment, parasite prevention, and even food.
In response, RSPCA WA will hold a community outreach day for City of Cockburn residents, 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 help at Anning Park in South Lake on Wednesday, 14 October.
RSPCA WA Chief Operating Officer Hannah Dreaver said the organisation was increasingly focused on preventing welfare problems before they escalated into cruelty reports.
“When someone contacts us with their concerns, it generally means the animal is already showing signs suffering,” Ms Dreaver said.
“Often, it’s because issues that started out relatively small and treatable have been neglected.
“That’s why these community outreach days are so important. They connect pet owners with practical support before a manageable issue becomes an 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, 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, and delivered over 800 health checks, 1,400 parasite treatments and around 2.5 tonnes of pet food across the state.
The South Lake Community Action Day will run from 1pm to 3pm and will provide:
• Free health checks for dogs and puppies
• Free dog microchipping (excluding litters and breeders)
• Free flea and worm treatments for dogs and cats
• Free pet food for families experiencing financial hardship
• Free chain exchange program
• Dog training and behaviour advice
• Educational information about responsible pet 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. Cats cannot attend for welfare reasons; however, cat owners are encouraged to attend to access free supplies and advice. Pet owners who would like to attend are asked to register here.
RSPCA WA thanks the City of Cockburn, South Metropolitan TAFE, Vetwest, Petbarn Foundation, Vets Beyond Borders, and volunteers for their support.
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