RSPCA WA is urging West Australian pet owners of the dangers of tying up their dogs to heed as temperatures soar this week.
A whopping 17 reports – equivalent to more than five per month – about animals being tethered in backyards without adequate access to shade, food, and water have already been made to RSPCA WA since 1 September.
Most reports involved dogs but a handful related to goats, sheep, and horses too.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager said tethering could be a safe short-term option in some situations, but leaving your dog tied up in the backyard for long periods comes with serious risks – especially in the summer heat.
"Your dog could become distressed, tangled, injured, or unable to reach food, water and shelter," she said.
"Using a heavy chain as a collar is not okay. There's the risk of pain and injury, plus in the summer the metal could heat up really quickly, causing burns.
"It's best to avoid tethering altogether. But if you must do it occasionally, make sure you use a proper tethering system that won't tangle, and ensure your dog can reach water and shelter at all times throughout the day."
Ms Green said owners often tethered their dogs to stop them escaping.
"If your dog is getting out, proper fencing, enrichment, exercise and company will be much more effective and humane than tethering in the long term," she said.
"Our inspectors have unfortunately attended too many jobs in which a dog has passed away tethered in someone's backyard because they could not escape the full sun or reach any water, usually because they had tangled the tether to a very short length.
"No animal should be left in this situation."
In addition to warning pet owners about the dangers of tethering animals, RSPCA WA is reminding everyone about the other summer-related health and safety risks for animals.
Leaving an animal in a hot car is especially dangerous and can lead to an agonising death. Even when the temperature outside is a mild 22C, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to over 47C.
Another common concern is hot pavement and sand. Dog's paw pads are sensitive and walking on the hot ground for even a few seconds can cause painful burns.
RSPCA WA recommends walking your pooch early in the morning or late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day and leaving your animals at home, preferably indoors, with adequate water and food.
RSPCA WA relies on the community to report potential acts of animal cruelty – please make a report via our website or by calling 1300 278 358.
