RSPCA WA has a new inspector in the Mid West, dedicated to making the region a safer, healthier and happier place for animals and their owners.
Paul Acton, a former ranger who has lived in the region for 15 years, is now permanently based in the Mid West following three months of training in Perth.
He says the inspector role is a 'dream job', and he's looking forward to engaging with pet owners and the wider community.
Paul will enforce the Animal Welfare Act 2002 by investigating reports from the public about cruelty, neglect and abandonment, and rescuing animals from emergency situations.
Last year, RSPCA WA received over 200 cruelty complaints from the City of Greater Geraldton–the vast majority of which could be resolved by working collaboratively with owners.
Paul says enforcement has its place, but education is the key to creating lasting change in animal welfare.
'Most of the reports RSPCA WA receives from the Mid West relate to neglect, rather than intentional cruelty,' he says.
'This can be due to a lack of knowledge, or financial pressures, and in most cases keeping animals and owners together is in the best interests of both.
'By giving people a better understanding of their animals, we can help break the cycle of neglect–benefitting not only that current animal, but any future pets that family might own.'
Originally from the UK, Paul will be based in Geraldton, where he'll work closely with local rangers, rescue groups and WA Police.
'To be able to make a difference in the region I've called home for 15 years and speak up for animals, who are victims without a voice, will be amazing,' he says.
'I really hope the community can get behind me and keep reporting their concerns about pets and livestock in the area.'
RSPCA WA is the State's only animal welfare charity with inspectors empowered to investigate and prosecute offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. In 2020-21, our 11 Inspectors covered nearly 270,000kms investigating 6637 reports of cruelty.
RSPCA WA's regional inspectors are based in the Mid West, South West, Great Southern, Goldfields, and the charity is currently recruiting for a full-time inspector based in Broome.
Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or online.
