21/06/2026
As we experience freezing temperatures at night, I want to say again that dogs belong inside with their families, not alone in the backyard.
Every evening, I walk my own dogs. Too often, I hear other dogs barking in the darkness - not the excited bark of a happy dog , but the persistent bark of an animal that is cold, lonely and separated from the people it loves.
It breaks my heart.
Dogs are social animals and form deep emotional bonds with their human families. Yet heartbreakingly, even in 2026, many are still exposed to freezing winter nights alone outside in the cold, howling wind and rain.
This week, RSPCA WA revealed it has already received 128 cruelty reports relating to inadequate shelter since 1 May, a seven per cent increase on last year, which is absolutely shocking.
The cases are confronting. A German Shepherd confined to a narrow side passage with only an air-conditioning unit overhang for shelter. Another dog living in a wire enclosure exposed to the elements with just a flimsy tarp overhead. Other dogs with no shelter from the rain.
If a dog is part of your family, treat them like family. Bring them inside. Give them a warm bed, away from draughts. Ensure they have comfort, companionship and protection from the weather.
A kennel is not a substitute for a family, so as we rug up and head indoors this winter, let's make sure our companion animals are brought inside too.
If you see an animal without adequate shelter from the cold, wind or rain, report it to RSPCA WA's Cruelty Hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358).
And if you're tired of animals being treated as an afterthought in government decision-making, please sign the Animal Justice Party WA petition to establish an Independent Office of Animal Protection in Western Australia. Animals deserve an independent voice fighting for their interests every single day.
ποΈ Sign here: https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/4F8946538FE9D3B548258DCC001A527B?opendocument&
Finally, please share this post to spread the message that dogs deserve to be inside, in the warm, at night - every night.
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