11/10/2026
Let’s talk about accountability in animal rescue. 🐾
Rescue isn’t always pretty. It’s exhausting, expensive, emotionally draining and, at times, downright heartbreaking.
But it’s also a responsibility. One that should never be taken lightly.
When you choose to involve yourself in animal rescue, you’re making a commitment to the lives that depend on you. Not to your reputation, your bank account, your social media following or the recognition that comes with it.
The animals. First and foremost. Always.
We’ve worked alongside some incredible individuals, organisations and groups who genuinely go above and beyond for the animals in their care. People who give up their time, money, sleep and sanity without expecting anything in return.
And those are the people who deserve recognition.
But we also need to acknowledge an uncomfortable reality.
Not everyone operating under the banner of rescue is necessarily operating in the best interests of the animals.
Being a registered organisation, running a rescue group or having a large following doesn’t automatically make someone ethical, responsible or above scrutiny.
There is a difference between genuinely advocating for animals and using animal welfare as a convenient front for other interests.
And when organisations or individuals are unwilling to be transparent about their practices, decisions or the welfare of animals in their care, questions deserve to be asked.
Accountability is not bullying. Transparency is not optional. And sharing the truth, particularly when those responsible refuse to be forthcoming, is not a personal attack.
Of course, the truth needs to be supported by facts. But uncomfortable truths don’t become less important simply because someone doesn’t want them discussed.
We should be able to question where funds are going, how animals are being cared for, whether appropriate standards are being maintained and whether decisions are genuinely being made in the animals’ best interests.
And when organisations or groups fall short of those responsibilities, they should be held accountable. Not protected by their title, their connections or the fear of upsetting people.
We absolutely believe in collaboration. But collaboration should be built on integrity, not blind loyalty.
We will never believe that keeping the peace is more important than speaking up for an animal that cannot speak for itself.
Nor do we believe that taking in the most animals, having the biggest name or making the loudest noise makes someone a better rescuer.
Sometimes the most responsible thing a rescue can do is acknowledge its limitations, say no, ask for help or admit when something needs to change.
At Perth Dingo Rescue, we’re far from perfect. We’re human, we make difficult decisions and we’re constantly learning. But we believe in being accountable for those decisions and doing better wherever we can.
Because rescue should never be about protecting egos. It should be about protecting animals.
And if asking difficult questions, expecting honesty and refusing to turn a blind eye makes us unpopular with some people, we’re quite comfortable with that.
The dingoes will always come first.
Perth Dingo Rescue Ltd. 🧡
*Ada pic for attention*
