Animals, pet owners and animal lovers were all the focus of a visit by 11 RSPCA WA staff to Albany and Mt Barker last week.
The animal welfare organisation was in the region to provide free goods and services for struggling pet owners, follow up on cruelty reports, and meet with donors, supporters and organisations contributing to better animal welfare outcomes.
Community Action Days in Albany and Mt Barker over the weekend saw more than 200 people attend for free help to care for their pets.
The no-cost assistance saw 117 animals health checked, 20 dogs microchipped, and more than 280kg of pet food and 120 parasite treatments distributed, along with coats, leads, harnesses and collars.
RSPCA WA Programs Manager Nicola Kelly said the strong turnout highlighted both the need for support and the care people have for their animals.
"It was wonderful to see so many people come along and access help for their pets," she said. "For many, this kind of support can make a real difference. One thankful woman was moved to tears she was so relieved and grateful for the assistance."
RSPCA WA thanked the City of Albany and Shire of Plantagenet and their rangers, Petbarn Foundation, Dog Rock Vet Clinic, and local volunteers for helping make the events such a success.
Community Action Days are held throughout the year across WA, with the aim of stopping small problems from becoming big ones by giving pet owners a helping hand when they need it most. Last financial year, 221 cruelty reports were received from the Great Southern region.
Inspectors were also in the region from 15–20 April, not only to support the community days but to follow up on cruelty reports.
RSPCA WA Inspector Bridie Creedy said the visit included a mix of ongoing casework and positive outcomes.
"We saw some horses of concern that were underweight and had hoof issues, which are now under investigation," she said.
"On a more positive note, we revisited a case involving four underweight dogs. The owner had previously accepted our help and followed feeding advice, and the dogs are now looking so much healthier.
"We also re-checked a job involving ducks and sheep where the owner had followed our instructions and their welfare is no longer compromised."
The inspectors brought a 10-month-old mastiff cross puppy, named Luna, and a two-year-old tabby cat renamed Albany, back to
Perth for care. Luna was surrendered after being left in the care of someone who already had two dogs and couldn't manage a third, while Albany was handed in after being treated for a leg injury.
Inspectors also delivered pet food to a local foodbank to support ongoing community need.
The visit formed part of RSPCA WA's updated inspector model, which now sees inspectors work in pairs for safety. The model, introduced last year, sees inspectors based in WA regions that generate the highest number of cruelty reports, while allowing them to make regular, planned visits to regions such as the Great Southern as well as respond quickly when more urgent issues arise.
Staff also attended a donor and supporter event on Friday at the Albany Entertainment Centre, where around 50 people gathered to hear about the impact of their contributions.
RSPCA WA Chief Development Officer Carol Morfitt said the visit reinforced the region's strong commitment to animal welfare.
"There is such a passion for animal welfare in the Great Southern, and it's always a pleasure to connect with supporters face-to-face," she said.
"Their generosity is critical to the work we do and the outcomes we're able to achieve for animals."
