St Paw-trick's Day adoption drive as shelter reaches capacity

14 March 2024

RSPCA WA is hoping the luck of the Irish will rub off on more than 55 animals looking for homes during a special St Paw-trick’s Day adoption drive this weekend.

The animals available include Shamrock the cat, Siobhan the rabbit and Cabbage the guinea pig.

The animal welfare organisation is bursting at the seams with cats, rabbits and guinea pigs who will all be at low or no-fee adoption rates on Saturday and Sunday.

RSPCA WA Shelter manager Emily Farrell said the animals looking for a new home have been in care for a combined 12 and a half years.

“It’s time they were in loving homes with a family to call their own, and we need the space for the animals always waiting in the wings who need rescuing and rehabilitating,” Ms Farrell said.

“Animal shelters across Perth are full right now and unfortunately we’re seeing pets waiting longer than usual to find a home.”

RSPCA WA data shows a third of all recent requests to surrender pets are linked to housing and cost of living issues and Ms Farrell said two recent large-scale cat cases also helped fill up the cattery.

“We’ve had two cases this year where cat numbers in people’s homes have become unmanageable, so we stepped in to help, taking 37 cats from one location and 41 from another,” she said.

This weekend, 16 and 17 March, all cats over three months old will be $33 and guinea pigs and rabbits will be free.

Ms Farrell said prospective adopters will be subject to the same suitability checks as always.

“Importantly, our data shows that the price of acquiring an animal has no influence on the long-term success of adoption or welfare outcomes,” she said.

It’s hoped the reduced fees will help rehome long-termers like Bailey, who has been waiting for a family for over 415 days.

“Bailey came into care with a group of friends and she has watched them all leave while she still waits patiently at the shelter for over a year,” Ms Farrell said.

“If you’ve been thinking about adopting a cat, rabbit or guinea pig, this weekend is the paw-fect time to find your new best friend.”

To view animals available for adoption, go to rspcawa.org.au. Face painting for children and a coffee van will be at the RSPCA WA shelter at 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga on Saturday.

Animals are available for viewing between 9am to 4pm Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May. Reduced adoption fees do not apply to dogs, or kittens under three months old. Normal adoption procedures apply, and all animals are desexed, microchipped and vaccinated.

Latest

RSPCA WA pays tribute to lifesaving animals for ANZAC Day

A speech by Army veteran Owen about how his assistance dog, Fenn, has transformed his life was the centrepiece of a special ANZAC Day ceremony hosted by RSPCA WA today.
Dog groomer fined for animal cruelty

A 31-year-old Champion Lakes woman will have to pay $7,500 in fines and costs for slapping, forcefully throwing and otherwise roughly handling a dog during a grooming session.
Community Action Day - Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Free dog health checks, free flea and worming treatments and free pet food for families who might be experiencing financial hardship.
RSPCA WA Pet Census – It's all love despite rising costs

Almost three quarters of WA pet owners celebrate their pet’s birthday, RSPCA WA’s annual pet census found, with over half saying their pet’s biggest impact in life is providing love and companionship.

Dog groomer fined for animal cruelty

A 31-year-old Champion Lakes woman will have to pay $7,500 in fines and costs for slapping, forcefully throwing and otherwise roughly handling a dog during a grooming session.
RSPCA WA foster care far from a drag

RSPCA WA recently published a Facebook post to attract much-needed foster carers for about 30 Burmese cats who were all named after drag queens. The response was overwhelming, with many of the cats now in homes.
Treatment of sick old dog 'outrageous' and 'disgusting'

In Midland Magistrates Court today a 54-year-old Eden Hill man was sentenced to six-months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for failing to seek medical care for his 18-year-old Labrador-cross named Bear. He was also prohibited from owning animals for five years.
Cost-of-living continues to bite WA pet owners

West Australian pet owners continue to feel the bite of the cost-of-living and housing crises, with both issues major contributors to a more than 40 percent jump in surrender requests.
Alleged failure to seek care for 18yo dog with large tumour

A 54-year-old Midland man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to seek medical care for his 18-year-old Labrador-cross dog.
$6k fine for owner who starved horses to 'skin and bone'

A 40-year-old woman from Champion Lakes has been fined a total of $6,000 for starving her two horses until they were ‘skin and bone’.
Make this Easter a safe one for your four-legged friend

RSPCA WA is urging pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals around chocolate this Easter following a shocking rise in calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline last year.
Million Paws Walk cancelled amid economic pressures

RSPCA WA has made the heartbreaking decision to cancel this year’s Million Paws Walk amid increasing cost-of-living pressures and mounting demands for the organisation’s services.
Man allegedly hid puppy after she suffered broken pelvis

A 46-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly failed to seek appropriate veterinary care for his puppy who had been hit by a car. It is also alleged he then tried to hide the puppy from RSPCA WA.
Million Paws Walk 2024 FAQ's

Million Paws Walk is an iconic event and a strong brand for the RSPCA with many staff, volunteers, supporters and donors having enjoyed it over the last 25 years in WA. However, the simple fact is that although it is RSPCA WA’s biggest annual fundraising event, ever increasing costs mean it is now prohibitive to stage such a large-scale activity.