Hume and Whittlesea have been named as hotspots for animal cruelty by the RSPCA.
The animal welfare organisation received 704 reports of animal cruelty from the two municipalities in 2015-16.
Three hundred and sixty-two reports related to animal cruelty cases in Hume, while 342 reports were in Whittlesea.
Dogs accounted for more than half the reports from the two areas (416), while 108 related to cats. Horses accounted for 86.
With 556 reports, Casey had the highest number in the state. RSPCA Victorian chief executive Liz Walker said most reports concerned hygiene, grooming and housing conditions of animals, followed by concerns about animals being underweight and having insufficient food, water or shelter. She said the number of animal cruelty reports made to the organisation was on the rise. Across Victoria, 11,840 reports were made last year.
“Even one cruelty issue is too many yet the number of reports we receive is steadily rising every year,” Dr Walker said.
“We know the community is becoming more concerned about animal welfare, which may be part of the reason for the continued increase of reports. What’s particularly disturbing is the fact that many of the issues reported to us involve very basic animal welfare matters, such as the way animals are being housed and fed.”
Dr Walker said RSPCA Victoria would use the data to target its prevention activity to the areas that need it most. “We know that prevention is the key to ending cruelty.
“RSPCA Victoria wants to partner with communities to find practical ways to boost animal welfare by improving local knowledge and support for animal owners, and we’ll continue to enforce the law and rehabilitate animals that suffer harm.”
To make an animal cruelty report, call 9224 2222 or visit www.rspcavic.org
