Frightened pets and damaged fences have seen an influx of lost and found animals around Perth since wild storms hit the metropolitan area on Wednesday.
As lightning strikes lit up the city accompanied by thunder and damaging winds, more than 100 animals were listed on the Pets of Perth Lost and Found Facebook page over the past 24 hours.
Pets of Perth author Bianca Castle said her page usually listed 20 lost and found animals a day, but since Wednesday had posted 132, including three dogs that had been hit by cars, one of which had died.
"Lost Neo - Missing from North Coogee on S Beach Promenade since this afternoon. Border Collie x Kelpie. Ran away from the thunder. He would most likely (be) injured due to fall. Probably looking for a quiet place to hide," owner Rohen Adams wrote on the Facebook page.
"Layla, took off today between 11 and 3. She has always been spooked by the storms but has never run off. We are very worried for her as she is a timid dog and don't believe she will go to anyone if approached," another worried owner wrote.
Nicky Barton Roberts added: "Brindle staffy just seen running across Wilson Park Sth Fremantle, going towards South Beach way. Didn't look scared but was looking around."
Sharron Smith was on the receiving end, posting: "Dog found in our yard. Very friendly please call . . . if you know owner."
In a happier of turn events, owner Samantha Woods wrote: "Our dog Molly took off early this morning in the storm from Bassendean. She is microchipped and registered. If you see her please msg me on here... thanks," before later thanking Garry at Pet Lovers Cafe in Guildford for finding her.
While most Facebook posts appealed for lost or found dogs, other animals listed included a found rabbit and fancy pigeon, and a lost bantam hen.
A Fremantle council ranger told Fairfax Media there had been a spike in lost and found animals since Wednesday, with a lot of enquiries coming in from other councils.
"We always see an increase in lost and found dogs during thunderstorms," the ranger said.
"Dogs will do anything when they're frightened, and will sometimes try to escape.
"Then you get fences blowing over and other damage to property that can allow them to get out."
The ranger said there had also been a spike in the number of complaints of howling and barking dogs.
RSPCA spokeswoan Maree Daniels urged pet owners to secure their gates and fences, and bring animals inside during the worst of the weather.
"Dogs can get stressed through these storms as they don't know what's going on," she said.
While worried owners should contact their council ranger if they'd lost a pet, Ms Daniels said they should also check with local vets in case they had been injured after escaping.
Pets of Perth's Lost and Found page has been operating for four years and has six volunteers.
