RSPCA WA is shocked by an increase in deliberate acts of cruelty towards dogs and puppies over the last financial year.

There has been a 32% increase in reported incidences of dogs or puppies targeted by deliberate poisonings, and a 14% increase in reported incidences of dogs or puppies affected by malicious beating or wounding.

The data, released by RSPCA WA today, covers reports of animal cruelty in the current financial year to-date, compared to the 2017-18 financial year.

RSPCA WA receives 50-60 reports of animal cruelty every day, so these figures will increase further by 30 June.

While more than three-quarters of animals reportedly targeted by poisoning and malicious beating/wounding this financial year were dogs or puppies, cats and kittens and native wildlife have also been targeted in noticeable numbers.

So far this year, RSPCA WA has received reports about more than 290 incidences of malicious beating or wounding. These reports detail disturbing acts, where animals have allegedly been hit, whipped, kicked, punched, decapitated and dragged alive behind vehicles.

Recent beating and wounding cases in the media include Henry, the 15-year-old Jack Russel, who was stabbed during a crime spree in Fremantle; JJ, the Labrador, whose throat was slashed in a Midland backyard; and the sickening attack on a kangaroo in Kalamunda in April, which was posted on Snapchat.

So far this year, RSPCA WA has received reports about more than 130 incidences of suspected deliberate poisoning. Many of these reports suggest barking dogs may have led to frustrated neighbours taking matters into their own hands.

RSPCA WA is warning the community to be alert, and continue reporting these wilful and intentional acts of cruelty to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (278 358).

Comments attributed to RSPCA WA Chief Executive Officer Iain Torrance:

“For so many pet owners, their dog or puppy is a much-loved member of the family. It’s heartbreaking to see such a sharp increase in deliberate and vicious cruelty against these innocent animals.

“Beatings and poisonings inflict severe suffering on animals, and RSPCA WA will do everything possible to hold people to account for this appalling behaviour. We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears on the ground, and report cruelty when they see it.

“Year on year, the number of calls to RSPCA WA’s Cruelty Hotline is increasing. This financial year we’re expecting to reach 21,000 – which equates to roughly 160 additional calls per month.

“This show that the community finds cruelty to animals totally unacceptable and more people are taking action when they see something wrong.

“RSPCA WA relies on generous donations and community support for more than 90% of our funding – it’s only thanks to generous West Australians that so many animals are rescued from abusive situations and given a second chance.

“But there’s so much more we need to do, which is why we’re asking West Australians to donate to help stop animal cruelty in their neighbourhood.

“And please, if you see something that doesn’t look right, take action and report it to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358.”