Baldivis vets push pet care

Baldivis vets are shocked at recent statistics showing the area has the highest reports of animal cruelty in WA, with doctors saying most owners are passionate about pet care.

The RSPCA has revealed 40 reports were made through the organisation’s Cruelty Hotline between January 1 and April 30 this year.

Baldivis was Perth’s number one animal cruelty hotspot overall in 2016 with a total of 118 cruelty reports.

RSPCA inspector Amanda Swift said it wasn’t all bad news for the area as more residents seemed vigilant about reporting cases, while Baldivis’ high population also drove up figures.

But she said the southern Perth metropolitan region remained a “problem area” for animal welfare issues. “This could mean that people in Baldivis have a higher expectation of animal welfare, which is a good thing,” she said.

A breakdown of RSPCA’s findings showed 26 per cent of Baldivis cases involved ill-treatment, while cases of insufficient food and water (26 per cent) and harmful confinement (10 per cent) were also high.

More serious incidents were relatively low in the area, which included unnecessary harm (6 per cent), injured animals (3 per cent), malicious wounding or beating (1 per cent) and ambulance required (1 per cent).

“Being properly prepared to own a pet is the best way to ensure its ongoing safety,” Ms Swift said.

Kylie Soanes from Baldivis Vet Hospital said staff at the centre were shocked to hear the report, which she said went against their experience of pet care in the area.

“It was really surprising but we are aware it’s happening. We have so many clients here like Melissa and Spud that want to do the best for their pets,” she said.

“Pets are like their family members and they want to provide the best care possible.

“We assist the RSPCA ... and we try to do everything we can to help educate the people of Baldivis to ensure that animal cruelty doesn’t happen in the future.”

RSPCA WA has launched its biggest ever appeal to get more inspectors on WA roads.

Named 20for20, the appeal is calling on every West Australian to chip in $20 to increase the number of RSPCA inspectors across the State to 20 — almost double the current number.