RSPCA WA was in Esperance at the end of May to investigate a slew of cruelty reports and help community members with welfare concerns.
They attended 15 jobs on the trip covering a range of concerns, including, three alleged dog beatings, a tethered dog, five underweight dogs with skin or flea problems, an underweight horse, and an underweight cow.
So far this financial year, 67 reports of cruelty have come from within the Shire of Esperance. There have been 39 reports of ill-treatment, 21 of insufficient food or water, 17 of failure to alleviate harm, 15 abandonment reports, and nine reports of insufficient shelter.
Following the organisation's operational change which sees two inspectors on the road now as opposed to them working on their own, pairs of inspectors have been heading out to the regions to follow up jobs and maintain relationships with local agencies.
Inspectors Peta Janssen and Jack Foley said while in Esperance they came across numerous animals with flea and tick infestations, prompting a warning to Esperance pet owners to tackle the small problems before they become big ones.
"We saw a lot of cats and dogs with poor skin condition and this is something that can definitely be addressed before it becomes a bigger problem and imposes serious health risks," Ms Janssen said.
"It is about addressing the health concern quickly – ensure you are treating your pet for fleas and ticks regularly, if they are prone to skin allergies or ear infections then make sure you are seeking appropriate veterinary advice.
"You are much better off paying for treatment in the earlier stage. Often, this will be a simple, affordable solution as opposed to a potentially expensive treatment protocol which could run into the thousands."
The inspectors handed out dozens of flea and tick treatments and bags of food to pet owners in need.
"We also attended a few jobs relating to insufficient food which we know is on the rise amid the current cost-of-living pressures," Ms Janssen said.
"It is often the case that people just can't afford to buy dog food before pay day and we really understand that, however, letting your dog go hungry is never the answer.
"We encourage people to reach out to family and friends for some food and failing that reach out on community groups on social media. If needed, use a more affordable food option to get by, any food is going to be preferable to none."
Ms Janssen said the trip was successful, with the pair helping out a matted dog and having a cat surrendered to them which came from poor living conditions.
Zorro, a one-year-old medium-haired tabby, was rescued from a house in squalid conditions. His owners were unable to provide proper care for him.
Since coming into care, Zorro was passed with a full bill of health and has been adopted into a new family.
Ms Janssen said local agencies like the Shire of Esperance rangers and SAFE representatives are doing incredible work in the region, but RSPCA WA's presence is needed to enforce the law.
"We dropped off some food and parasite control to the council so that when the rangers come across animals with fleas and ticks they can help people get on top of the issue sooner," she said.
"We also reached out to SAFE while we there to maintain our relationship with them.
"We are committed to continuing our presence in regional areas and encourage people to keep reporting any concerns to 1300 278 358 so we can continue to monitor and respond."
