Source : Perth Now news
A surge in animal cruelty reports in the City of Belmont has prompted the RSPCA to step in.
Animal cruelty reports in the City of Belmont have jumped 34 per cent this financial year to 184, compared to 137 reports for the whole of the previous financial year.
RSPCA WA is now planning to bring free pet support services to Cloverdale later this month.
The charity’s community action day at Miles Park Community Centre from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday, June 25, 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 organisation wanted to prevent welfare problems before they escalated into cruelty reports.
“By the time our inspectors become involved, animals are often already suffering from problems that started out relatively small and treatable,” 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 concern.
“We know most people love their pets and want to do the right thing. Sometimes they just need a bit of help with food, parasite treatment, microchipping or access to advice.
“Keeping pets healthy and with the families who care about them is better for the animals, better for owners and better for the community.”
The City of Belmont offers free animal registration for dogs and cats and promotes responsible pet ownership.
City CEO John Christie said the city worked very closely with RSPCA WA.
“Any cases of suspected animal cruelty received by the City of Belmont are referred directly to RSPCA WA by city staff,” he said.
“Most animal related cases we deal with centre on lost pets, nuisance pets and supporting responsible ownership through promoting microchipping, sterilising and registering pets.
“Being a responsible pet owner is about doing what’s best for your pet and community.”
Since July, RSPCA WA’s community action day program has supported more than 1670 pet owners, delivered 764 health checks, 1303 parasite treatments and almost 2.5 tonnes of pet food across the State.
They have helped people such as retired couple Barb and Graham, who were worried about their dog Leo’s teeth.
He had been chewing on rocks in the garden, and they were concerned he was doing damage.
Leo received a free health check that showed his teeth were fine, and Barb and Graham received some advice from the RSPCA WA behaviour team on how to stop the rock chewing.
They also found out they had to pay only $50 for a lifetime registration for Leo with their local council because they are seniors.
The Cloverdale event will include dog training and behaviour advice, and educational information about responsible pet ownership
All dogs must remain on leads at all times. Please notify staff upon arrival if your dog is reactive. Unvaccinated or newly vaccinated puppies need to be carried.
Cats cannot attend for welfare reasons, but cat owners are encouraged to attend to access free supplies and advice.
Pet owners who would like to attend are asked to register on the RSPCA’s website.
RSPCA WA thanked the City of Belmont, South Metropolitan TAFE, Vetwest, Petbarn Foundation, Vets Beyond Borders, and volunteers for their support.
