RSPCA report reveals Greater Geraldton as No.1 animal cruelty hotspot in regional WA for second year in a row

Greater Geraldton has been named the No.1 regional WA hotspot for animal cruelty for the second year in a row. The RSPCA revealed the worst local government areas for animal cruelty complaints in 2024-25 this week, as inspectors seized shocking numbers of beaten and malnourished animals from abusers in the past year. In regional WA, the City of Greater Geraldton recorded the highest rate with 212 complaints, compared with 214 in 2023-24. They were followed by the cities of Bunbury (190), Albany (118), Busselton (108) and Kalgoorlie-Boulder (101). The City of Swan topped the metropolitan list, with 662 animal cruelty reports, ahead of the cities of Wanneroo (572), Rockingham (433), Stirling (417) and Gosnells (412). Greater Geraldton was the ninth most prevalent local government area for animal cruelty across WA. A breakdown of the local complaints reveals 138 cases related to abuse and cruelty, 114 involved insufficient care, 51 for abandonment, 19 for harmful confinement and restraint and five were for welfare requests and assistance. Of the 212 complaints, 207 involved puppies and dogs, 25 for cats and kittens, 14 for birds, 34 for livestock, 17 for horses and one other small animal. Across the Mid West-Gascoyne, the RSPCA received 266 animal cruelty reports, the fourth most prevalent region behind metropolitan Perth (5377), the South West (673) and Wheatbelt (291). A total of 7195 cruelty reports were received across WA — a slight increase of less than one per cent — but involving a total of 9230 animals. Chief operating officer Hannah Dreaver said inspectors had seized three times as many animals than the prior year, putting “unprecedented pressure” on the organisation. “Seized animals are often victims of large-scale cruelty such as puppy farms or hoarding and many seized animals have endured severe neglect meaning they need to stay much longer in our care than animals that are surrendered or strays,” she said. “They generally need more intensive vet treatment and behaviour support, while our inspectors and legal team spend longer amounts of time on more complex prosecutions. All of this adds up to more pressure across the organisation.” More than 2000 animals came into the RSPCA’s care in the period, with a total number of days spent caring for animals rising by 21 per cent to 144,261. Vet consultations and surgeries for abused animals grew by 35 per cent to 12,271. “The rise in seized animal numbers was a major factor in making 2024-25 one of the busiest and most complex years we’ve ever faced,” Ms Dreaver said. City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the city worked hard to support the RSPCA WA in their efforts to combat cruelty, understanding how important animals were to the community. “The city continues to promote responsible pet ownership and encourages the community to report any incidents of cruelty to animals to the RSPCAWA so they may be investigated,” he said. Anyone who is aware of animal abuse is urged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or complete an online report on their website. ANIMAL CRUELTY REPORTS 2024-25REGIONAL WA 1. City of Greater Geraldton: 212 2. City of Bunbury: 190 3. City of Albany: 118 4. City of Busselton: 108 5. City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder: 101 6. Shire of Harvey: 79 7. Shire of Capel: 77 8. Shire of Esperance: 71 9. Shire of Collie: 65 10. Shire of Broome: 59