Figures from RSPCA WA’s Cruelty Hotline have revealed six of the top 10 regional locations for animal cruelty complaints were in the South West.
Bunbury came in at fourth on the list, followed by Harvey in fifth.
Busselton was seventh with Collie, Capel and Dardanup rounding out the top 10.
The charity released figures of WA’s 2018 animal cruelty hot spots as part of their 20for20 campaign.
The 20for20 campaign encourages households to contribute $20 to help improve coverage across the state to respond to calls.
The three main complaints for Busselton were ill-treatment, abandonment and causing unnecessary harm.
RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said Busselton’s numbers had decreased from 101 complaints to 62, however, she urged the community to remain vigilant and report their concerns.
“We see time and again that people are not tolerating cruelty to animals and are taking action,” she said.
“While numbers are down (for Busselton), it is no time to be complacent – we still rely on the community as our eyes and ears on the ground, and encourage everyone to report cruelty to animals immediately.
“Whatever the reasons are, we are thankful to everyone who reports their concerns to us, and we always try to work with people to prevent cruelty in the first place.”
In March, the RSPCA sought public assistance following a horrific incident, in which a puppy was dragged behind a vehicle and later died from its injuries.
At the time, Ms Swift described the incident as ‘sickening’.
She said it was the positive outcomes that kept the charity going when faced with the terrible treatment of animals.
“We’ve had some awful cases in the South West recently, which have resulted in prosecution action being taken against owners,” she said.
“What keeps us going though, are the cases where we can work with owners to show them the right way to care for their pets, and it’s so rewarding to see the progress over time.
RSPCA WA receives between 40 to 50 cruelty reports a day. In 2017, they investigated nearly 6,000 cases.
RSPCA WA chief executive officer David van Ooran said he hoped the 20for20 campaign would result in an increase in RSPCA inspectors throughout the state.
“We know there are more animals in need out there that we simply can’t reach,” he said.
“We desperately need more inspectors throughout WA as we currently have just 12 and we are aware of cruelty happening in locations where we can’t get to.
“With more inspectors on the roads, we can rescue more animals. It’s that simple.”
To report cruelty, call 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589).
Donations can be made at rspca20for20.com.au.
