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WA’s animal cruelty hotspots revealed by RSPCA

Charlotte EltonThe West Australian
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An RSPCA inspector with an abused puppy
Camera IconAn RSPCA inspector with an abused puppy Credit: RSPCA/supplied

WA’s leading animal protection charity has released a damning ranking of the State’s animal cruelty hotspots, shaming the suburbs where animal-abuse thrives.

The City of Swan is the worst local government area for animal cruelty in the State, RSPCA WA has revealed.

In 2020, it generated a shocking 594 reports to the RSPCA 24 hour hotline.

The city of Wanneroo ranked second, with 493 reports, followed closely by the City of Stirling, on 486, the City of Rockingham, on 377, and the City of Gosnells, on 347.

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In regional areas, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder recorded the most complaints, with 223 reports. The city of Geraldton recorded 174, the City of Bunbury 129, and the City of Albany 120.

After the RSPCA responded to an animal cruelty report they found Missy, who was suffering from a variety of skin diseases.
Camera IconAfter the RSPCA responded to an animal cruelty report they found Missy, who was suffering from a variety of skin diseases. Credit: RSPCA/supplied

WA recorded a shocking 6620 animal cruelty reports in 2020, the RSPCA has revealed, an average of 18 per day.

3279 of the complaints related to "ill-treatment of an animal (cruel/harsh behaviour, abuse or neglect)."

1293 of the reports slammed owners who didn’t take injured animals to the vet, while 786 reported animals left in hot cars — a 14 percent increase on 2019.

Overall, complaints were down from 7022 in 2019 to 6620 in 2020.

Sadly, the RSPCA cruelty hotline doesn’t capture the full picture: In total, 10,271 offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 were reported last year.

RSPCA chief executive Ben Cave urged West Australians to continue reporting to the charity.

"Looking at these numbers, it can be easy to feel disheartened, but it’s important to remember that every cruelty report received is a person speaking up and being a voice for animals," he said.

Missy with her new owner Lisa
Camera IconMissy with her new owner Lisa Credit: RSPCA/supplied

"Our animals rely on us for everything, so it’s really disappointing to see that so many animals continue to be deprived of the basics, such as food, water, shelter and vet care." 

Mr Cave singled out one troubling case — a 13-year-old Maltese named Missy who was seized by inspectors in January from a neglectful city of Wanneroo owner.

“She had a long list of issues, which indicated prolonged neglect; Missy was emaciated, her coat was severely matted, her teeth were broken and infected, and she had an old injury to her leg, which had been left untreated,” Mr Cave said.

Missy has since found a new home with long-term foster carer Lisa. 

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