Alarming RSPCA WA data reveals greater Geraldton ranked second worst for animal cruelty reports last year

Up to four animal cruelty reports were made in the greater Geraldton area every week last year, alarming RSCPA figures reveal.

Greater Geraldton was the second worst regional local government for animal cruelty reports, with 192 made in 2021-22 — the equivalent of 16 cases a month — only behind Kalgoorlie’s 231 reports.

But a drop of 15 per cent in the past year has seen Geraldton go from No. 1 on the list down to second.

Bunbury (152), Albany (146) and Northam (66) round out the top five regional list.

RSPCA WA CEO Ben Cave fears the cost-of-living crisis hitting many households will lead to an increase in animal and pet neglect.

The watchdog’s annual report on Wednesday revealed it received 6444 complaints across WA in the past financial year — or at least 17 every day.

While overall there was a 3 per cent reduction in the number of reports, complaints about animals being beaten or intentionally wounded were up by 15 per cent since last year.

Reports about owners failing to seek vet care for sick or injured pets had also spiked by 20 per cent since the last financial year.

“This may indicate there is more serious offending occurring across the State, such as deliberate violence and extreme neglect,” Mr Cave said.

“With the rising cost of living hitting WA families hard at the moment, we’re worried neglect of those basic needs is only going to increase.”

Among last year’s reports was “one of the most shocking cases RSPCA WA has seen”, according to Mr Cave.

A 28-year-old man was sentenced to a year behind bars in May after viciously beating a cat to death with a metal pole, while his co-accused had filmed the horrific attack.

In Geraldton, Jessica Robyn Callow was last month fined $2000 and banned from owning a pet for three years after she abandoned a kitten without access to food or water for days last summer.

The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after a neighbour reported a cat “crying loudly” inside her Bluff Point unit in January.

The RSPCA found a 10-12-week-old kitten in a “distressed” state. Ms Callow had gone to Perth to visit her son and the court was told she never wanted the kitten, which was gifted to her daughter by someone else.

The kitten, later named Darla, is now fully recovered and in foster care.

Mr Cave said the RSPCA worked hard in animal cruelty hotspots to improve standards of animal welfare. “But we’re still getting a consistently high number of calls,” he said.

“Our animals rely on us for everything, so it’s worrying to see so many pets and livestock continue to be deprived of food, water, shelter and vet care.

“Ignoring your animal’s suffering is never OK. If you’re no longer able to care for your animals to the standard they deserve you must reach out.”

Welfare concerns for dogs, cats and horses made up the majority of reported cruelty offences.