RSPCA Victoria has released its annual Animal Cruelty Report as cost-of-living pressures impact thousands of animals across the state.
Those unable to afford veterinary care and those no longer able to afford the costs of providing for their pets are just some of the struggles RSPCA Victoria's Inspectors are seeing first-hand.
In the last 12 months 2,250 animals were seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria's Inspectorate placing pressure on the capacity of shelter services.
Nearly 10,000 animal cruelty reports were made to RSPCA Victoria by members of the public in the 2023-24 financial year with the top reasons including:
- Husbandry issues: such as lack of grooming, poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions, no farrier attendance, lack of shearing etc.
- Underweight animals
- Sick/injured animals where there has been insufficient, or no veterinary treatment provided
Acting Chief Inspector Michelle Green, said while malicious cruelty was still occurring, their team was helping struggling pet owners more than ever before.
"It's incredibly disappointing to still see malicious cruelty still occurring in the community," Acting Chief Inspector Green said.
"The types of malicious cruelty we're seeing includes animals being beaten, small animals being used for live-baiting, and even cockfighting, though this type of animal cruelty is much less common than neglect.
"It's an increasingly challenging environment out there following the pressures of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis is only compounding this.
"The majority of what our RSPCA Inspectors are seeing first-hand is just how much people in the community are struggling, and when people are struggling their pets are often affected.
"The majority of the animal cruelty we see is actually neglect as a result of people's circumstances changing beyond their control, such as hospitalisation, financial pressures, or sudden joblessness, while other animals suffered due to owners simply not understanding how to care for their pets adequately.
"When they can, our Inspectors are offering help through emergency pet food to struggling households and other support such as the provision of donated kennels or bedding for pets and providing preventative flea and worming treatments.
"We're also seeing people struggling to provide for the number of animals they have, whether that be households caring for unplanned litters from un-desexed pets, or people whose circumstances have changed and they're no longer able to support their pets.
"If you are struggling to care for your pets you are not alone, please don't be afraid to reach out for help and please don't wait until your pet is suffering.
"People can reach out to us, to other community-based programs, to their local council or other groups that may be able to provide support."
RSPCA Victoria's Inspectors are working with the community to prevent animal cruelty before it begins, and when needed, providing a safe place for the animals in most need.
This year RSPCA Victoria announced it is increasing its community outreach work as part of its 2030 Strategy, with the aim of supporting people in the community to keep and care for their pets so that they don't end up in shelters.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.
To view Victoria's cruelty hotspots check out the interactive cruelty map.
