RSPCA Community Action Day to combat animal cruelty surge in South West region

RSPCA Western Australia is looking to tackle animal cruelty in the South West, with a free community event to provide check ups on furry friends in the community.

On November 25, the RSPCA will hold a Community Action Day at Withers Community Library, offering free support for pet owners who may be struggling financially.

It comes as the animal welfare charity deals with rising numbers of cruelty complaints in the region.

With support from City of Bunbury, the RSPCA team will provide free microchipping for dogs, dog and cat food and free flea and tick treatments.

RSPCA WA programs manager Nicky White said health checks were the most important aspect of the day.

“If there are vets and vet nurses in the area who can spare a couple of hours to help carry out health checks, it would mean a great deal to local pets and their owners,” she said.

“Volunteers are also needed to help with sign-ups and handing out pet supplies on the day.”

The event aims to combat the consistently high number of cruelty reports received in the area.

This year alone, RSPCA WA has received nearly 500 reports from the South West — 117 of them from Bunbury.

“That’s an increase of 20 per cent for the region compared to the same period last year, so clearly there is a need for some additional practical and educational support on the ground,” Ms White said.

“We want to provide the basics to prevent some of those key concerns before they escalate.”

Veterinarians and vet nurses across the South West are urged to lend a hand at the upcoming event and are encouraged to contact events@rspcawa.org.au to get involved.

For more information, and to register for this free event, visit rspcawa.org.au/event/community-action-bunbury