The shocking number of pets being surrendered due to WA’s domestic violence crisis has more than doubled, according to new statistics released by the State’s biggest animal welfare charity.

RSPCA WA’s pets in crisis program recorded 91 animals being temporarily surrendered by their owners in 2025-26 — a massive surge compared with just 43 in 2024-25.

Programs manager for the charity Nicola Kelly said victim-survivors were known to delay leaving abusive relationships because they were hesitant, or struggled, to get their pets into refuge accommodation.

“Perpetrators frequently threaten, harm or neglect animals as a form of coercive control and the fear of what will happen to their animals if they leave without them can keep victim-survivors trapped in dangerous situations,” Ms Kelly said.

“Knowing their pet is safe, well cared for and happy gives victim-survivors enormous relief and one less thing to worry about as they rebuild their lives”.

The organisation said pets stay in the program until their owners are safely rehoused and they’re able to be reunited. Pets often receive veterinary care, health checks and are placed in foster care when available.

Pets in crisis originated in 2017 and has since assisted more than 460 animals while their owners sought refuge.

RSPCA is now looking at expanding the program into the regions by enabling refuges with onsite kennels, before animals are transported to Perth if required.

One pet owner who used the program, who spoke to RSPCA WA and has been referred to as Veronica, said she initially considered sleeping rough with her cats.

She said a refuge manager advised her about pets in crisis before the RSPCA flew her two cats from the Kimberley to Perth.

“Just looking after an animal, having someone to care for (them), it just takes you out of your head so much,” she said.

The RSPCA said that once Veronica found safe accommodation, she was reunited with her pets, 87 days later.

As of March 31, WA Police recorded 27,637 domestic violence assaults this financial year, the second most prominent offence behind stealing.

Offences of threatening behaviour against a family member was recorded 8538 times in the same period.

Latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in mid-March noted 11,908 offenders were proceeded against for domestic violence crimes in 2024-25 — up 20 per cent from 2023-24 and the highest rate ever recorded.

Of the 11,908 offenders, nearly 80 per cent (9371) were men.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch last year said it the was estimated that 70 per cent of women who attended refuges didn’t report domestic violence incidents to police. He said police were continually working to encourage victim-survivors to contact law enforcement.

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