Puppy love at first sight
One look at the lolling tongue and little paws propped up on the window and it was game over for Sam Waymouth and Kiara Maitre.
They hadn't gone to the RSPCA shelter to buy a puppy but couldn't bear to leave without the tiny blue heeler cross.
"We were going to get a dog that was a bit older, who could adapt quickly to a new family, but we spotted his face and that was it," Mr Waymouth said.
Sarj's mother was seized by the RSPCA when she was pregnant, after her owner was reported for beating her. Mr Waymouth said he was "shocked and horrified" when he was told, but Sarj was now safe.
"We take him to the doggy beach, take him for walks around the block and once he has his injections, we can let him off the lead in the park," he said.
Sarj's story had a happy ending, but RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said animal cruelty complaints continued to soar, with a 40 per cent rise this financial year, compared with last year.
In 2013-14, the charity investigated 6100 complaints, or about 117 a week. Since July 1, inspectors followed up 3789 complaints of cruelty.
And prosecutions were also up - 19 since July 1, compared with 28 for the whole of 2013-14.
Ms Swift said the reason for the rise was unclear but likely included the economic downturn, a growing population and more awareness of the RSPCA.
Many complaints related to neglect, such as not providing food, water or shelter.
Ms Swift urged people not to buy pets as Christmas presents because they were a long-term commitment.
