RSPCA WA will be in Byford on Tuesday 28 April offering free advice and supplies to pet owners who may be struggling with the costs of caring for their pets. The Community Action Day will take place at Bill Hicks Reserve from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
RSPCA WA staff and volunteers will be on hand to perform health checks and microchipping for dogs, give out flea and worming treatments for cats and dogs, and hand out free cat and dog food. Pet owners are also encouraged to chat to our friendly staff about dog behaviour issues, training tips and any other behaviour or health-related questions.
RSPCA WA Chief Operating Officer Hannah Dreaver said the organisation was continuing to see the impact ofrising costs for goods, services and housing on people's ability to look after their pets, with high fuel prices adding to the burden.
"We received 158 cruelty reports from within the Shire of Serpentine last financial year, a huge 36 per cent increase on the year before," she said.
"We know a lot of the issues being reported are the result of financial pressure – people struggling to pay for food, vet care and parasite prevention. Our community days offering free support are designed to ease some pressure on family budgets and help stop small health problems for pets from becoming big and expensive ones.
"When you look at the problems our staff deal with there are definitely patterns - untreated skin conditions, often caused by fleas, that have become chronic; underweight animals; strays with no microchip to identify their owner; and animals surrendered because they've become too much of a handful. We can address all of these issues at days like this one."
People are welcome to bring social, vaccinated dogs and puppies along to the event on leash. If your puppy has not had all its vaccinations yet, you will need to carry the puppy at all times. Due to welfare concerns, cats cannot attend but cat owners are encouraged to attend for free supplies and advice.
RSPCA WA inspectors, an RSPCA WA dog behaviourist, and Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale rangers will be on hand to answer welfare-related, training, and registration questions. Health checks will be conducted by vet staff and students from South Metropolitan TAFE. Pet owners who would like to attend are asked to register here.
RSPCA WA thanks the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, South Metropolitan TAFE, Petbarn Foundation, Vets Beyond Borders, and volunteers for their support.
