Jessica Micallef
The RSPCA is urging pet owners to take responsibility for their animals during summer, after three dogs were abandoned and seized by an inspector on Christmas Eve.
After a resident report to the animal welfare organisation, a heeler, kelpie and bull arab were found tethered on chains in a Wyndham backyard with no food or water.
According to the RSPCA, a previous tenant of the property denied ownership of the animals, and all three dogs were transported to an RSPCA facility for veterinary assessment and care.
It was just one of more than 1400 reports of abandoned animals the organisation received in the past financial year. More than 465 of those reports were during last summer and included abandonment, dogs in hot cars and insufficient access to water and shade.
RSPCA Inspector Rebecca Mullenger said it was disappointing to see some people show little regard for animals.
“Pets are part of the family so to see these three dogs left behind just before Christmas is heartbreaking,” she said.
“If your circumstances change and you are unable to provide the level of care your pet needs, there are multiple options available to you.
“We accept surrendered animals without judgement, but owners still have to do the right thing and reach out for assistance.
“Moving out of a property and leaving an animal tethered in a yard with no food or water is simply not acceptable behaviour and the community should be rightfully outraged. The concerned citizen who reported these dogs to us likely saved their lives.”The three dogs are not yet available for adoption and will continue to undergo health and behavioural assessment and rehabilitation, including potential time with foster carers.”
For more information on RSPCA’s summer campaign, visit: rspcavic.org/summer
