RSPCA welcome hundreds of locals at Albany and Mt Barker community days for free pet care

A group of RSPCA staff visited Albany and Mt Barker last week, providing free pet food and services to the community and meeting with local organisations, supporters and donors.

Community action days in both towns saw more than 200 residents attend to access free help to care for their pets.

The free assistance included 117 animals health checked, 20 dogs microchipped, and more than 280kg of pet food and 120 parasite treatments distributed.

Coats, leads, harnesses and collars were also available for pet owners to pick-up.

RSPCA WA programs manager Nicola Kelly said the strong turnout from the Albany and Mt Barker communities highlighted both the need for support and the care people have for their animals.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come along and access help for their pets,” she said.

“For many, this kind of support can make a real difference.

“One thankful woman was moved to tears she was so relieved and grateful for the assistance.”

Inspectors were also in the region from April 15 to 20 to support the community days and follow up on cruelty reports.

RSPCA WA inspector Bridie Creedy said the visit included a ongoing cases, but said there were some positive outcomes.

“We saw some horses of concern that were underweight and had hoof issues, which are now under investigation,” she said.

“On a more positive note, we revisited a case involving four underweight dogs.

“The owner had previously accepted our help and followed feeding advice, and the dogs are now looking so much healthier.

“We also re-checked a job involving ducks and sheep where the owner had followed our instructions and their welfare is no longer compromised.”

The inspectors brought a 10-month-old mastiff cross puppy named Luna, and a two-year-old tabby cat renamed Albany, back to Perth for care.

Luna was surrendered after being left in the care of someone who already had two dogs and couldn’t manage a third, while Albany was handed in after being treated for a leg injury.

RSPCA staff also attended a donor and supporters event on April 17 at the Albany Entertainment Centre, where about 50 people gathered to hear about the impact of their contributions to the RSPCA.