Limited resources to tackle animal abuse and neglect in the Kimberley
The Derby Animal Welfare group says many abused and neglected dogs have recently come into their care. (Supplied: Kierin Thompson)
In short:
Animal welfare advocates in Western Australia's north are calling for more action after a spate of animal abuse cases
RSPCA WA does not have a permanent inspector in the Kimberley, and operates in the region on a fly-in fly-out basis.
What's next?
The RSPCA says it "very much" wants to investigate acts of cruelty, and has urged residents who come across injured or abused animals to get in touch.
An animal welfare group in Western Australia's far north says it has seen a surge in abuse and neglect cases, calling on the community to do more to stop the suffering.
Warning: This story contains descriptions of animal abuse.
Derby Animal Welfare chairperson Kierin Thompson said many of the animals that had come into their care recently had been "kicked and stomped and chased", and there was only so much the charity could do about it.
The charity looks after animals in the area around Derby, a town in the remote northern Kimberley region.
Two dogs recently taken in by the Derby Animal Welfare group. (Supplied: Kierin Thompson )
"There's a lot of trauma behind a lot of our rescues at the moment, but that's why we're pushing more people to recognise and get RSPCA involvement to bring attention to this area," Ms Thompson said.
"Something needs to be done; there are animals everywhere in Derby [and the] surrounding communities that are just absolutely suffering.
"It's really heartbreaking to see and frustrating because we're limited in what we can do."
Kierin Thompson is pushing to bring more attention to this long-standing issue. (Supplied: Kierin Thompson)
FIFO RSPCA inspector
In 2022, RSPCA WA appointed an inspector in the Kimberley after the region recorded some of the highest animal cruelty rates in the state.
But the charity scrapped the role after it found the lone inspector's safety was at risk.
"We do operate on a fly-in fly-out basis for the Kimberley," RSPCA general inspector Hayley Wirth said.
"It allows us more flexibility, and we will base the frequency of our visits … on the needs and requirements of the jobs."
RSPCA general inspector Hayley Wirth says there are likely many cases that go unreported in the Kimberley. (Supplied: RSPCA)
The RSPCA's 2024-2025 financial year report revealed the Kimberley recorded 87 animal cruelty cases, a decline in the numbers of recent years.
But Ms Wirth said many cases were likely going unreported.
"There is a large amount of cases that don't find their way to us and that is really unfortunate because we very much want to act and respond,"she said.
"We do want to investigate acts of cruelty fully and thoroughly, but I think there is a lack of awareness about what people can do."
Animal abuse charges carried a maximum penalty of $50,000 or five years' imprisonment, Ms Wirth said.
She said people did not understand "the severity of animal cruelty" as a criminal offence and reiterated that offenders would be prosecuted.
The RSPCA urged anyone who comes across an injured or abused animal to contact them on 1300 CRUELTY or 1300 278 358.