July is National Desexing Month with RSPCA WA reminding pet owners of the importance of sterilising their dogs and cats to prevent unwanted litters.
Since 1 May, RSPCA WA has seen 86 puppies through its shelter with a standout litter of 13 mixed-breed puppies and their mum Sheila.
Sheila came into care drained of energy, with a painful skin condition and an infection from the birth. Her owner could not afford the vet and feeding costs the puppies needed so they were surrendered to the RSPCA.
Shelter Manager Emily Farrell said ensuring your dog is sterilised will stop unwanted litters from happening.
"Caring for a litter of puppies is a costly exercise and brings with it so many unknown pressures," she said.
"When people find themselves with litters they cannot look after, the risk to the mother and those puppies is extremely concerning.
"These puppies then need to find homes, putting more pressure on our communities.
"To eliminate the chances of this happening, sterilising your dog is absolutely necessary."
RSPCA WA said owners sometimes cite cost as a barrier to desexing their pets however there are options available.
Many vet clinics offer payment plans and pensioner discounts, some councils offer sterilisation subsidies and there are some not-for-profits who can help limited numbers of people too.
In 2022-23, RSPCA WA piloted a State Government funded Pet Sterilisation Program whereby concession card holders received a 75 per cent discount on sterilisation from participating vets.
The response was overwhelming resulting in 874 pets sterilised at a cost of just $250,000. RSPCA WA continues to seek funding for this program to be extended.
Ms Farrell said the health and wellbeing benefits of sterilising your cat or dog are also important.
"Desexed animals are generally less likely to suffer from disease and illnesses," she said.
"In females, sterilisation prevents unwanted litters and phantom pregnancies. In some cases, desexing reduces the desire to roam which reduces the risk of being injured in a fight or a traumatic accident such as being hit by a car."
Nationally, the RSPCA receives over 125,000 animals every year, and many of these unwanted animals are the result of unplanned breeding. Dogs can become pregnant as early as 6-months-of-age, and cats by 4-months-of-age, so it is important to sterilise them before this time to protect them from unwanted pregnancies.
