Pet dumping raises concerns

South Hedland Vet Clinic and Saving Animals from Euthanasia are urging the community to desex their pets after an influx of unwanted animals face the prospect of being put down.

The comments followed a Facebook post that went viral last week, by a concerned resident, Robin Smith, who was shocked to discover the vets were being overwhelmed with dumped animals.

"I think this should be illegal and if they do give their pets up they should pay SAFE a large contribution to take over the job," he said.

"Animals are living things and part of our community and should be treated accordingly."

South Hedland Vet clinic founder Dr Rick Fenny said unfortunately euthanasia was a sad reality with an increased number of dumped animals and shortage of foster carers in town.

"We work very closely with SAFE and the Town of Port Hedland rangers who are overwhelmed with stray animals," he said.

"We certainly do our best to promote SAFE, but unfortunately there are always more animals than homes and carers to look after them.

"Sadly a lot of people dump their animals when they leave town and sometimes euthanasia is the only humane option… some of the alternatives are far worse."

Dr Fenney said it was disappointing the joint effort to educate the community on responsible pet ownership seemed to be falling on "deaf ears" in some communities.

SAFE co-ordinator Debbie Stafford appealed to the public to contact SAFE for assistance with rehoming unwanted animals.

"SAFE will not have any healthy, rehomeable animal euthanised," she said.

"We are limited by our small number of foster carers and case managers but we do everything we can to send animals to other branches around WA when we are at capacity.

"Please contact us if you need help and consider all your options if you can't look after your pet anymore."

In 2015, the Town of Port Hedland rangers impounded 918 animals.

Mayor Kelly Howlett said all residents who owned a pet had a role to play in responsible pet ownership. "When purchasing a pet, residents are advised to purchase from a registered breeder or from SAFE Hedland," she said.