Armadale, Gosnells, Byford and Maddington were named among the top seven Perth metro animal cruelty hotspots so far in 2017 according to the RSPCA.
The organisation released its figures based on data from its 24-hour Cruelty Hotline this week and Armadale ranked second highest in Perth with 39 incidents reported between January 1 and April 30.
Gosnells was fourth with 26 incidents reported while Byford (24) and Maddington (22) were sixth and seventh respectively.
It was the second year in a row Armadale, Gosnells and Byford were in the top-10 list.
Armadale recorded 103 incidents in 2016, while Gosnells recorded 61 and Byford recorded 52.
Maddington did not table last year.
Other suburbs to be in the list this year were Baldivis (40), Ellenbrook (27), Rockingham (25), Mandurah (18), Midland (17) and Warnbro (16).
RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said she was not surprised by the data and acknowledged the southern Perth Metro region was a problem area for animal welfare issues.
“There are some suburbs in the southern part of Perth where animal cruelty is prevalent and while we’ve been working to improve standards of animal welfare in these areas we’re still seeing a high level of cruelty taking place, which is very concerning,” she said.
RSPCA WA was currently running biggest ever appeal to get more inspectors on WA roads.
Named “20for20” the appeal called on West Australians to donate $20 to increase the number of inspectors across the state from 11 to 20.
Mrs Swift said 11 inspectors just were not enough to cover the whole state.
“We do still respond to reports in areas where inspectors are not placed by seeking assistance from the local police or shire rangers however we know this is just the tip of the iceberg,” she said.
“We desperately need more inspectors throughout WA.
“We are aware of cruelty happening in locations where we can’t get to.”
RSPCA WA self-generates more than 90 per cent of the funds required to sustain its animal protection work.
To donate to the 20for20 appeal visit www.rspca20for20.com.au.
