What do you do if you see an injured swan? Call the Wildcare Helpline.
The Wildcare Helpline (08 9474 9055) is a telephone referral service for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife across WA, wholly operated by volunteers but managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
The Wildcare Helpline regularly receives calls from members of the public who have been advised to call by their local council or shire. While they will always assist with native wildlife, often these calls are concerned with situations with which the Wildcare Helpline is not able to assist, leading to frustration and sometimes anger due to the caller being misinformed that they can help.
The Wildcare Helpline provides a service for members of the public who find sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife only.
The Wildcare Helpline can:
· offer advice on sick, injured, orphaned or displaced native wildlife;
· refer callers to a wider network of experts for assistance, including volunteer wildlife rehabilitators and reptile relocators.
The Wildcare Helpline cannot
· attend rescues;
· assist with stray or nuisance animals caused by domestic issues;
· assist with sick or injured non-native or domestic animals (including, but not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, horses etc)
As they are a volunteer helpline with limited resources, they would appreciate only those calls related to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife be referred to them. In 2013-14, the Helpline received over 10,000 calls.
Any stray or injured dogs found round the Lake can be taken to Shenton Park Dog Refuge or to the Swanbourne Veterinary Clinic.
Cats can be taken to Cat Haven or to the Swanbourne Veterinary Clinic.
In cases of animal cruelty, the RSPCA should be contacted.
http://www.rspcawa.asn.au/ or 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589)
More information on the Wildcare Helpline, including First Aid for wildlife advice and a list of wildlife rehabilitation centre contacts, can be found on the Parks and Wildlife website
