Puppies beaten, poisoned shock report reveals

DELIBERATE acts of cruelty against dogs and puppies are on the increase in WA, the RSPCA has revealed.

The animal charity said there had been a 32% increase in reported incidences of dogs or puppies targeted by deliberate poisonings, and a 14% increase in malicious beating or wounding.

Data released by RSPCA WA covers reports of animal cruelty in the current financial year to-date, compared to the 2017-18 financial year.

More than three-quarters of animals targeted by poisoning and malicious beating/wounding were dogs or puppies, with cats, kittens and native wildlife also targeted in noticeable numbers.

RSPCA WA said it received 50-60 reports of animal cruelty every day, and so far this year has received reports about more than 290 incidences of malicious beating or wounding.

These reports include cases where animals have been hit, whipped, kicked, punched, decapitated and dragged alive behind vehicles.

Recent beating and wounding cases in the media include Henry, the 15-year-old Jack Russell, who was stabbed during a crime spree in Fremantle and JJ the Labrador whose throat was slashed in a Midland backyard.

A sickening attack on a kangaroo in Kalamunda in April was also posted on Snapchat.

So far this year, RSPCA WA has received reports about more than 130 incidences of suspected deliberate poisoning.

Many of these reports suggest barking dogs may have led to frustrated neighbours taking matters into their own hands.

RSPCA WA chief executive Iain Torrance said: “For so many pet owners, their dog or puppy is a much-loved member of the family.

“It’s heartbreaking to see such a sharp increase in deliberate and vicious cruelty against these innocent animals,” he added.

“Beatings and poisonings inflict severe suffering on animals, and RSPCA WA will do everything possible to hold people to account for this appalling behaviour. We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears on the ground, and report cruelty when they see it.

“Year on year, the number of calls to RSPCA WA’s Cruelty Hotline is increasing. This financial year we’re expecting to reach 21,000 – which equates to roughly 160 additional calls per month.

“This show that the community finds cruelty to animals totally unacceptable and more people are taking action when they see something wrong.”

Mr Torrance said the RSPCA WA relied on generous donations and community support for more than 90% of our funding – it’s only thanks to generous West Australians that so many animals are rescued from abusive situations and given a second chance.

“But there’s so much more we need to do, which is why we’re asking West Australians to donate to help stop animal cruelty in their neighbourhood.”

Report animal cruelty to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358.