Drive-in, drive-out RSPCA WA inspectors still investigating animal cruelty reports in hotspot of Geraldton

The RSPCA wants the Geraldton community to know it maintains a strong presence in the region despite no longer having a permanent inspector based here.

The Greater Geraldton region remains the RSPCA’s busiest, receiving 192 complaints between July 1, 2024 and June 3 this year.

Last financial year, Geraldton was the No. 1 local government area for RSPCA call-outs, with 214 reports.

It has been almost a year since a permanent inspector was based in the Mid West, with metropolitan-based inspectors like Taylia Noonan and Emma Dedman travelling up regularly. About 15 RSPCA inspectors cover the entire State.

“We still investigate all the reports that we receive in our regional areas, but we do have local agencies, such as rangers and police, for assistance,” Ms Noonan said.

The RSPCA is encouraging the public to keep reporting cases of animal cruelty, with Ms Noonan saying a rise in cases was being fuelled by cost-of-living pressures.

She said if pet owners needed help they should reach out to family and friends, local agencies and groups, including the RSPCA, for advice or assistance, or sort out a payment plan for any vet bills.

“We understand owners fall on hard financial times, but ignoring your pet’s pain or hunger is not a solution, it’s animal cruelty,” Ms Noonan said.

She said in Geraldton the most common welfare concerns were ill-treatment reports, followed by failure to alleviate harm to an animal.

“It (our job) can be very difficult, but I think at the end of the day we’re in it because we love animals, and the difference we get to make to the lives of animals makes it worth it,” Ms Noonan said.

“It’s the most rewarding part of our job, being able to see those animals (that we’ve rescued) go out into loving homes.”

Ms Noonan and Ms Dedman have been in the region this week, attending to reports.

“We would just like to remind Geraldton residents to continue to report instances of cruelty and to seek help from us when needed . . . although we no longer have an inspector in the area, we are still attending reports, we are still investigating, and we still have a presence here,” Ms Noonan said.

“For those who are needing assistance, please reach out for help before it’s too late.”

To make a report, contact the RSPCA cruelty hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358)