Animal cruelty reports in the City of Belmont have jumped 34 per cent this financial year, reaching 184 reports compared to 137 for the whole of the previous financial year. In response, RSPCA WA will hold a free community action day in Cloverdale later this month.
Free Pet Support Services in Cloverdale
The event will take place at Miles Park Community Centre from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday, June 25. Pet owners can access free health checks, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, pet food, and expert advice.
RSPCA WA chief operating officer Hannah Dreaver emphasised the importance of early intervention. “By the time our inspectors become involved, animals are often already suffering from problems that started out relatively small and treatable,” she 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.”
Preventing Welfare Problems Before They Escalate
Ms Dreaver noted that most pet owners want to do the right thing but may need assistance. “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 works 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.”
Impact of RSPCA’s Community Action Day Program
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. The program has helped people like retired couple Barb and Graham, who were worried about their dog Leo’s teeth after he chewed rocks in the garden. Leo received a free health check showing his teeth were fine, and the couple received advice from the RSPCA WA behaviour team on how to stop the rock chewing. They also discovered they only needed to pay $50 for lifetime registration with their local council due to their senior status.
Event Details and Guidelines
The Cloverdale event will include dog training and behaviour advice, as well as educational information about responsible pet ownership. All dogs must remain on leads at all times. Owners should notify staff upon arrival if their 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.
