The RSPCA in Western Australia has initiated a significant new campaign, collaborating with students from North Metropolitan TAFE to produce an educational animation. This project aims to illustrate the severe risks that roaming cats encounter and advocates for containment as the optimal practice for feline safety and health.
A Creative Collaboration for Cat Safety
This initiative was spurred by a series of distressing cases of deliberate cruelty towards cats. The RSPCA WA teamed up with animation students from North Metropolitan TAFE to develop a one-minute video. This animation effectively demonstrates the various hazards that outdoor cats face, while also showcasing how straightforward modifications at home can significantly enhance their wellbeing.
Spreading the Message Widely
The completed animation has been distributed to a broad audience, including local government bodies, animal rescue organisations, veterinary practices, and across the RSPCA WA's digital platforms. The goal is to promote responsible cat ownership and containment practices throughout the community.
Changing Perceptions About Cat Containment
Debbie King, an animal welfare policy research officer at RSPCA WA, explained that the project was designed to shift the common belief that allowing cats to roam freely is a harmless or normal activity. "Research clearly shows that contained cats can live longer, healthier and happier lives," Ms King stated.
She outlined the numerous dangers that roaming cats avoid when kept safely at home:
- Being struck by vehicles
- Attacks from dogs or other cats
- Exposure to diseases
- Snake bites
- The risk of becoming lost, stolen, or intentionally harmed
Addressing Recent Incidents of Cruelty
Ms King highlighted several recent, heartbreaking cases of intentional harm to roaming cats that the RSPCA WA has investigated. These include a cat named Jamison who was deliberately trapped in an Esky for ten hours, Tiger Tim who had a brick tied to his neck and was thrown into the Swan River, and another cat that was shot twice and abandoned in Huntingdale.
"We are in no way blaming the owners for these deliberate acts of cruelty, but it is a sad reality that it is one of the dangers cat owners need to consider if their pet is allowed to roam," she emphasised.
A Positive and Accessible Approach
Despite the grim nature of some incidents, the animation was intentionally crafted to be friendly, positive, and easily understandable. Ms King noted that discussions about cats and wildlife can often become divisive. "What the TAFE students have done a great job in helping us show is that cat containment is a win for everyone — the cat, their owner, the neighbours, and native wildlife," she said.
Real-World Benefits for Students
Scott Adam, the portfolio director for media and music at North Metropolitan TAFE, highlighted the mutual benefits of this partnership. "Partnering with worthwhile community organisations such as RSPCA WA means the student team can work on a brief with a real client who gives real feedback to complete real creative content that will be seen by the public," Mr Adam explained.
He added that such practical, real-world training opportunities significantly enhance the educational experience for students pursuing their Advanced Diploma of Animation.
Legislative Context and Future Directions
Several local governments in Western Australia have recently attempted to introduce regulations requiring cats to be contained on private properties. However, these proposals were either withdrawn or rejected. Currently, the State Government is reviewing the Cat Act, with new legislation expected to be introduced this year to enable stricter cat containment laws.
Ms King expressed the RSPCA's support for these legislative efforts. "RSPCA WA supports action to reduce the impacts of roaming cats on wildlife, the community and cat welfare," she said. "We advocate for cat containment as one element of a broader, integrated companion cat management strategy, not as a single enforcement solution."
