RSPCA to hold action day as animal cruelty reports in City of Belmont jump by a third
An increase in reports of animal cruelty in the City of Belmont has led to the RSPCA getting involved.
Animal cruelty reports in the City of Belmont increased 34 percent this fiscal year to 184 reports, compared to 137 reports in the entire previous fiscal year.
RSPCA WA plans to bring free pet support services to Cloverdale later this month.
The charity’s community action day, from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday 25 June at Miles Park Community Centre, will offer pet owners free health checks, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, pet food and expert advice.
RSPCA WA chief operating officer Hannah Dreaver said the organization wanted to prevent welfare issues before they turned into reports of cruelty.
“By the time our inspectors get involved, the animals are often already suffering from relatively minor and treatable problems,” Ms. Dreaver said.
“That’s why community action days are so important. They connect pet owners with practical support before a manageable issue becomes an animal welfare issue.
“We know most people love their pets and want to do the right thing. Sometimes they just need a little help with food, parasite treatment, microchipping or accessing advice.”
“Keeping pets healthy and with families who care about them is better for the animals, for their owners, and for society.”
The City of Belmont offers free pet registration for dogs and cats and encourages responsible pet ownership.
City CEO John Christie said the city was working very closely with RSPCA WA.
“Any cases of suspected animal cruelty received by the City of Belmont are escalated directly to RSPCA WA by city staff,” he said.
“Many of the animal-related cases we handle focus on lost pets, nuisance pets, and supporting responsible ownership by encouraging microchipping, neutering, and registration of pets.
“Being a responsible pet owner is about doing what is best for your pet and your community.”
Since July, RSPCA WA’s community action day program has supported more than 1670 pet owners across the state, providing 764 health checks, 1303 parasite treatments and almost 2.5 tonnes of pet food.
They helped people like retired couple Barb and Graham, who were worried about their dog Leo’s teeth.
He was chewing rocks in the garden and they were worried he might cause damage.
Leo had a free health check which showed his teeth were fine and Barb and Graham received some advice from the RSPCA WA behavior team on how to stop rock chewing.
They also learned that they only had to pay $50 for Leo’s lifetime registration with the local council because they were seniors.
The Cloverdale event will feature dog training and behavior advice and educational information about responsible pet ownership
All dogs must remain on leash at all times. Please inform staff upon arrival if your dog reacts. Unvaccinated or newly vaccinated puppies need to be transported.
Cats cannot participate for welfare reasons but cat owners are encouraged to attend so they can access free materials and advice.
Pet owners wishing to take part are asked to register with the RSPCA. website.
RSPCA WA thanked the City of Belmont, Southern Metropolitan TAFE, Vetwest, Petbarn Foundation, Vets Beyond Borders and volunteers for their support.
