Rise in Kimberley animal abuse cases linked to cost of living

Cases of animal neglect and abandonment on the rise in the Kimberley In short: Animal cruelty cases in the Kimberley have risen 23 per cent in the past financial year. In most cases the neglect stemmed from financial pressures, according to the RSPCA. What's next? The RSPCA wants anyone who comes across an abused animal to contact them on 1300 278 358. Mounting financial pressures are leading to an increase in animal cruelty reports, according to the RSPCA, with the problem especially acute in Western Australia's far north. WARNING: This story contains images of an emaciated animal and animal neglect readers may find distressing. The organisation said cases of animal abuse in the Kimberley had risen 23 per cent in the past financial year, and it had doubled its intake of animals from the region. RSPCA WA spokesperson Louise Rowe said in many cases, the neglect appeared to stem from cost-of-living strains. "We're seeing really emaciated animals because they're not being fed enough. We're seeing animals with chronic skin conditions because they're not getting parasite treatments," she said. "We're seeing animals suffering from ailments that really could have been fixed a lot sooner if they received proper medical care." The increase has prompted the charity to provide community outreach days in Broome and Derby, offering free pet health checks, microchipping, pet food and flea and worm treatments. 'No excuse' There are "undoubtedly" more cases of abuse happening across the Kimberley that the charity does not know about, Ms Rowe said. She said RSPCA relied on the community to be its "eyes and ears" and urged people who had animal welfare concerns to reach out. "We know people are struggling. We know that times are tough, but that's no excuse to let your animals suffer," Ms Rowe said. "Animals should be cared for. They can't do it for themselves, and owners have a responsibility to reach out sooner rather than later." RSPCA WA appointed an inspector in the Kimberley in 2022 after the region recorded some of the highest animal cruelty in the state. But the role was scrapped when it became apparent the lone inspector's safety was at risk. "We've introduced a fly-in, fly-out model, which is working really well," Ms Rowe said. "If we get a report that needs urgent action, we can attend ourselves, or we work with others in the area as well that can help us on the ground." Charities overrun Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) Broome is the only animal rescue organisation in town. Coordinator Sonya Debenham said the biggest challenge was finding foster homes. This challenge has only been compounded by the noticeable increase of cats and dogs coming into their care. "The strays and wandering dogs is about the same, but really abandonment and surrenders are higher because the cost of living has gone up so much," Ms Debenham said. "People are struggling to support the pets they've got." Ms Debenham said there could be 70 to 120 animals at SAFE at any time. Anyone who comes across an injured or abused animal is urged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 CRUELTY or 1300 278 358.