Surge in Goldfields cruelty reports prompts free help for pet owners
RSPCA WA has revealed animal cruelty reports from the Goldfields-Esperance region jumped by 24 per cent last financial year to 256.
Most reports originated in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder – 121 in total which is a 20 per cent increase on last year. Alarmingly, the Shire of Coolgardie saw a huge 160 percent jump with report numbers increasing from 20 to 52.
Welfare concerns for dogs and puppies accounted for 90 per cent of all reports with insufficient care -inadequate food, water or shelter, and animals not receiving vet treatment when they need it – the dominant theme.
The data is 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 Goldfields 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 Centennial Park in Somerville on Friday, 23 October from 11am to 2pm.
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 Kalgoorlie Community Action Day 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 Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Vetwest, and volunteers for their support.
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