Surge in animal cruelty reports prompts free support for Rockingham pet owners
24 August 2026
RSPCA WA has recorded a 70 per cent increase in cruelty calls about animals in the City of Rockingham suffering with untreated medical conditions.
Since 1 January this year, 116 reports of owners failing to take steps to alleviate their pets’ harm have been recorded from suburbs within the local government area, up from 68 for the same time in 2025.
The jump is in line with a state-wide trend of owners finding it increasingly difficult to pay for the basics of animal care such as vet treatment, parasite prevention, and even food.
So far in 2026, RSPCA WA has had 278 animals surrendered to them by owners who say they can’t afford pet food or health care – a 52 per cent increase from the 183 received for the same period last year.
In response, RSPCA WA will hold a community outreach day in Rockingham next month offering free support including dog and cat health checks, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, pet food and expert behaviour advice. Pet owners in need can access the help at the Rockingham Rams Football Club on Efron Street on Monday, 7 September from 12pm – 3pm.
RSPCA WA Chief Operating Officer Hannah Dreaver said they were particularly happy to be able to offer cat health checks at the event.
“It can be difficult to find council facilities that can ensure cat safety so, while cat owners are always welcome at our community days to get free goods and advice, the cats themselves are rarely allowed,” she said.
“However, cats are welcome on 7 September in Rockingham, and we hope owners in need take advantage.
“By the time our inspectors become involved with an animal they are often already suffering from problems that started out relatively small and treatable. 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 has 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 Rockingham Community Action Days will provide:
- Free health checks for dogs and cats
- Free dog and cat 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 pet behaviour advice
- Educational information about responsible pet ownership
All dogs must remain on leads at all times, and all cats must be in a carrier. Please notify staff upon arrival if your dog is reactive. Unvaccinated or newly vaccinated puppies need to be carried. Pet owners who would like to attend are asked to register here.
RSPCA WA thanks the City of Rockingham, South Metropolitan TAFE, Vetwest, Petbarn Foundation, and Vets Beyond Borders for their support.
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