Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The RSPCA had to pull its lone inspector out of the Kimberley due to safety risks—all while animal neglect doubles. But don’t worry, the ABC blames “cost of living” strains. Since when does basic care require a government handout? Look after your pets!
The title of today’s Friday Focus is Look After Your Pets, Kimberley!
Western Australia’s sparsely populated Kimberley region in the state’s north is home to an estimated 40,000 people, roughly 41% of whom are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander—representing over 30 Indigenous language groups with a staggering 65,000 years of human history across numerous remote communities. Or at least, so I’ve been told.
But the Kimberley has a problem—an I’m-not-looking-after-my-pets-properly problem. Try saying that three times fast.
To be fair, recent reports could be referring to the people of Broome—the Kimberley’s largest town. Perhaps they’re not looking after their pets? But somehow, I suspect it’s more of an issue in the region’s remote communities.
The ABC recently reported, “Cases of animal neglect and abandonment on the rise in the Kimberley,” noting that the RSPCA saw the number of animals coming into care double over the past financial year.
They also included a warning—which I’ll pass along to you: This story contains images of an emaciated animal and animal neglect.
They show plenty of pictures of dogs that haven’t been looked after. I know—it’s awful.
But interestingly, they note: “RSPCA WA appointed an inspector in the Kimberley in 2022 after the region recorded some of the highest animal cruelty in the state. But the role was scrapped when it became apparent the lone inspector’s safety was at risk.”
His safety was at risk? Why would that be? Was it the poor, neglected animals threatening his safety? Or more likely, angry pet owners who didn’t like being told what to do by a so-called “inspector”?
But why is this neglect happening? What is causing it?
Don’t worry, the ABC has the answer: “In most cases the neglect stemmed from financial pressures, according to the RSPCA,” and “in many cases, the neglect appeared to stem from cost-of-living strains.”
Oh, I see. The reason you’re not looking after your animals is because of “cost-of-living” pressures. Well, all we have to do then is get the government to give you some more money, and then I’m sure you’ll be feeding, grooming, and bathing your dogs in no time. It’ll be a non-stop doggy day spa.
Or... the “cost-of-living” excuse is complete BS.
Look after your damn dogs! If you don’t have enough money to feed and care for a pet, don’t get one. There is zero excuse for letting an animal suffer.
To be fair, under the heading “No excuse”, even the ABC quotes the RSPCA spokesperson: “We know people are struggling. We know that times are tough, but that’s no excuse to let your animals suffer.”
Exactly right. Owning an animal is a responsibility, not an entitlement—if you choose to have pets, take care of them, and stop blaming your wallet for basic human decency.
MUSIC
Allégro by Emmit Fenn
The RSPCA had to pull its lone inspector out of the Kimberley due to safety risks—all while animal neglect doubles. But don’t worry, the ABC blames “cost of living” strains. Since when does basic care require a government handout? Look after your pets!
The title of today’s Friday Focus is Look After Your Pets, Kimberley!
Western Australia’s sparsely populated Kimberley region in the state’s north is home to an estimated 40,000 people, roughly 41% of whom are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander—representing over 30 Indigenous language groups with a staggering 65,000 years of human history across numerous remote communities. Or at least, so I’ve been told.
But the Kimberley has a problem—an I’m-not-looking-after-my-pets-properly problem. Try saying that three times fast.
To be fair, recent reports could be referring to the people of Broome—the Kimberley’s largest town. Perhaps they’re not looking after their pets? But somehow, I suspect it’s more of an issue in the region’s remote communities.
The ABC recently reported, “Cases of animal neglect and abandonment on the rise in the Kimberley,” noting that the RSPCA saw the number of animals coming into care double over the past financial year.
They also included a warning—which I’ll pass along to you: This story contains images of an emaciated animal and animal neglect.
They show plenty of pictures of dogs that haven’t been looked after. I know—it’s awful.
But interestingly, they note: “RSPCA WA appointed an inspector in the Kimberley in 2022 after the region recorded some of the highest animal cruelty in the state. But the role was scrapped when it became apparent the lone inspector’s safety was at risk.”
His safety was at risk? Why would that be? Was it the poor, neglected animals threatening his safety? Or more likely, angry pet owners who didn’t like being told what to do by a so-called “inspector”?
But why is this neglect happening? What is causing it?
Don’t worry, the ABC has the answer: “In most cases the neglect stemmed from financial pressures, according to the RSPCA,” and “in many cases, the neglect appeared to stem from cost-of-living strains.”
Oh, I see. The reason you’re not looking after your animals is because of “cost-of-living” pressures. Well, all we have to do then is get the government to give you some more money, and then I’m sure you’ll be feeding, grooming, and bathing your dogs in no time. It’ll be a non-stop doggy day spa.
Or... the “cost-of-living” excuse is complete BS.
Look after your damn dogs! If you don’t have enough money to feed and care for a pet, don’t get one. There is zero excuse for letting an animal suffer.
To be fair, under the heading “No excuse”, even the ABC quotes the RSPCA spokesperson: “We know people are struggling. We know that times are tough, but that’s no excuse to let your animals suffer.”
Exactly right. Owning an animal is a responsibility, not an entitlement—if you choose to have pets, take care of them, and stop blaming your wallet for basic human decency.
MUSIC
Allégro by Emmit Fenn
