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RSPCA concerned high cost of living may increase WA pet and livestock neglect

Daryna ZadvirnaThe West Australian
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WA’s RSPCA boss fears the rising cost of living hitting will lead to an increase in animal and pet neglect.
Camera IconWA’s RSPCA boss fears the rising cost of living hitting will lead to an increase in animal and pet neglect. Credit: The West Australian

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES

WA’s RSPCA boss fears the rising cost of living hitting will lead to an increase in animal and pet neglect, with at least 17 animal cruelty reports being made to the watchdog every day over the past year.

The alarming data was revealed in the RSPCA annual report on Wednesday, which showed there were 6444 complaints made in WA in the past financial year.

While the overall figure is lower than the 6637 complaints made the year prior, reports about animals being beaten or intentionally wounded were up by fifteen per cent since last year.

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Reports about owners failing to seek vet care for sick or injured pets had also spiked by 20 per cent since the last financial year.

“This may indicate there is more serious offending occurring across the State, such as deliberate violence and extreme neglect,” RSPCA chief executive Ben Cave said.

“With the rising cost of living hitting WA families hard at the moment, we’re worried neglect of those basic needs is only going to increase.”

WA’s RSPCA boss fears the rising cost of living hitting will lead to an increase in animal and pet neglect, with at least 17 animal cruelty reports being made to the watchdog every day.
Camera IconWA’s RSPCA boss fears the rising cost of living hitting will lead to an increase in animal and pet neglect, with at least 17 animal cruelty reports being made to the watchdog every day. Credit: RSPCA WA/RSPCA WA
The alarming data was revealed in the RSPCA annual report on Wednesday, which showed there were 6444 complaints made in WA in the past financial year.
Camera IconThe alarming data was revealed in the RSPCA annual report on Wednesday, which showed there were 6444 complaints made in WA in the past financial year. Credit: RSPCA WA/RSPCA WA
While the overall figure is lower than the 6637 complaints made the year prior, reports about animals being beaten or intentionally wounded were up by fifteen per cent since last year.
Camera IconWhile the overall figure is lower than the 6637 complaints made the year prior, reports about animals being beaten or intentionally wounded were up by fifteen per cent since last year. Credit: RSPCA WA/RSPCA WA

Among last year’s reports was “one of the most shocking cases RSPCA WA has seen”, according to Mr Cave.

A 28-year-old man was sentenced to a year behind bars in May after viciously beating a cat to death with a metal pole, while his co-accused had filmed the horrific attack.

The Tongan nationals were in Australia fruit picking on working visas and were charged after the video was uploaded to a WhatsApp chat group.

Data analysis also revealed that the City of Swan areas ranked the highest for the most animal cruelty reports, with 648 made last financial year.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder ranked as the worst regional town with 231 reports made in 2021-2022.

Data analysis also revealed that the City of Swan areas ranked the highest for the most animal cruelty reports, with 648 made last financial year.
Camera IconData analysis also revealed that the City of Swan areas ranked the highest for the most animal cruelty reports, with 648 made last financial year. Credit: RSPCA WA/RSPCA WA
Kalgoorlie-Boulder ranked as the worst regional town with 231 reports made in 2021-2022.
Camera IconKalgoorlie-Boulder ranked as the worst regional town with 231 reports made in 2021-2022. Credit: RSPCA WA/RSPCA WA
Reports about owners failing to seek vet care for sick or injured pets had also spiked by 20 per cent since the last financial year.
Camera IconReports about owners failing to seek vet care for sick or injured pets had also spiked by 20 per cent since the last financial year. Credit: RSPCA WA/RSPCA WA

“In these hotspots where the number of reports shows us cruelty is prevalent, RSPCA WA works hard to improve standards of animal welfare, but we’re still getting a consistently high number of calls,’ Mr Cave said.

“Our animals rely on us for everything, so it’s worrying to see so many pets and livestock continue to be deprived of food, water, shelter and vet care.

“Ignoring your animal’s suffering is never OK. If you’re no longer able to care for your animals to the standard they deserve you must reach out.”

Welfare concerns for dogs, cats and horses made up the majority of reported cruelty offences.

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