Animal cruelty cases spike in WA as cash-strapped owners hit hard times
Reports of animal cruelty have jumped by more than 10 per cent over the past year, with rangers called out to an average of over 19 incidents per day.
In the 2022-2023 financial year, RSPCA WA received 7126 reports of animal cruelty through their cruelty hotline, an 11 per cent jump from the previous financial year. Many of the reports involved multiple animals.
RSPCA WA have said they respond to 19 reports of animal cruelty a day.
Chief executive officer Ben Cave said the cost of living crisis had been key in driving the number higher.
“With the rising cost of living hitting WA families hard, we’re worried neglect of those basic needs is only going to increase,” he said.
“If you’re no longer able to care for your animals to the standard they deserve you must reach out for help sooner rather than later.
“We understand owners fall on hard financial times, but ignoring your pet’s pain or hunger is not a solution, it’s animal cruelty.”
Cave said reports of owners failing to seek veterinary care spiked 18 per cent compared to last financial year, and reports of animals without enough food or water were up 22 per cent.
“On the surface these reports might seem less serious than violent acts of cruelty. But the sad reality is, the animals in these cases have often suffered day in, day out for weeks or months,” he said.
“Another statistical change of note is a 32 per cent spike in abandonment reports.”
Overall, RSPCA WA finalised 29 prosecutions for animal cruelty relating to 65 dogs, four cats and eight horses.
“Most of the dogs were from puppy farms where their medical and behavioural needs had been badly neglected. They were living in squalor, being bred time and time again for profit,” Cave said.
Cherry was unable to move due to extreme dehydration and malnutrition.Credit: RSPCA WA
“Other shocking cruelty cases included Cherry, an abandoned dog who nearly starved to death, and Hank, a four-month-old puppy who was beaten by his former owner.”
He said RSPCA WA had ramped up events to help struggling pet owners, particularly in hotspots where cruelty was prevalent.
The majority of reports in WA came from the City of Swan, followed by Wanneroo, Stirling and Rockingham.
In the regions, Albany topped the list, followed by the greater Geraldton area and Kalgoorlie-Boulder, although the latter area reported a 30 per cent drop in cases overall, while Albany had a 30 per cent increase in cases.
Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.