The South West Animal Rescue helps re-home abandoned dogs once they have been taken to Bunbury’s dog pound.

Dogs can only stay in the pound for a total of 72 hours before they are re-homed by the group.

If a dog is not re-homed or the owners have not reclaimed their pet within the 72 hours they are sadly put to sleep.

A spokesperson for the City of Bunbury said euthanasia was very rare because of the great job SWARS was doing in finding new homes for the dogs.

However the group said they are still struggling to find foster homes for the animals and is calling on the community for help.

“What we are really aiming for is to have an animal shelter in the area,” said SWAR president Tanya Adams.

“That way more dogs can be housed and it is also easier for people to adopt the dogs.”

The group often receive calls from concerned residents regarding pets being abandoned and mistreated but have no real power to do anything about it.

Unlike a ranger or RSPCA inspector the volunteers do not have authorisation to enter a person’s property to check on the animal.

RSPCA spokesperson Richard Barry said the RSPCA had plans to set up an inspector in Bunbury but it was a matter of securing funds.

“We wish we had full coverage in WA,” he said.

“If somebody or a business is willing to set up an auxillary in Bunbury we may be able to provide an extension of what we do in the area.”

If you think you can help SWAR as either a foster carer or you would like to donate to the organisation phone 0420 828 040.