RSPCA WA is organising another community action day in Maddington to support struggling local pet owners, as the cost of living continues to affect people's ability to care for their animals.
Event details
Pet owners in the City of Gosnells who are facing financial difficulties are invited to attend a free community event in May, where they can access supplies and advice. The event will be held at the Maddington community centre and marks the seventh such day hosted by RSPCA WA this year.
Free services offered
Attendees can take advantage of free health checks for dogs and puppies, provided by staff and students from South Metropolitan TAFE. RSPCA WA staff and volunteers will also offer free microchipping for dogs (excluding litters or breeders), as well as free pet food and flea and worming treatments for both dogs and cats.
City rangers and dog behaviour specialists will be on hand to share educational information about responsible pet care and dog training.
Rising cruelty reports prompt action
RSPCA WA has committed to more than doubling its free community days across the state in 2026, following a surge in reports of cruelty and neglect. In the last financial year, the organisation received 412 cruelty reports from suburbs in the City of Gosnells, marking an almost 5 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
RSPCA WA chief operating officer Hannah Dreaver said the incidence rate was the fifth highest of all local government areas in Western Australia. She noted that many reports are linked to financial pressure, with owners struggling to afford food, veterinary care, and parasite prevention, compounded by rising fuel costs.
“Our community days offering free support are designed to ease some pressure on family budgets and help stop small health problems for pets from becoming big and expensive ones,” Ms Dreaver explained.
2026 outreach plans
To address these issues, 23 community outreach days have been scheduled for 2026, building on the 10 events held in 2025. These will cover the Perth metropolitan area and regional areas, including the Kimberley and the Wheatbelt.
Ms Dreaver highlighted common patterns in the problems staff encounter, such as untreated skin conditions caused by fleas that become chronic, underweight animals, stray animals without microchips, and pets surrendered because they have become too difficult to manage.
“We can address all of these issues at days like this one,” she said.
Event guidelines
Social, vaccinated dogs and puppies are welcome on a leash, but unvaccinated puppies must be carried at all times. For welfare reasons, cats are not permitted to attend, but cat owners are still welcome to access free supplies and advice.
The event will take place at the Maddington community centre from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday, May 6. Interested attendees should register online.
