RSPCA Victoria received more than 600 animal cruelty reports across Greater Geelong in the past year, the most of any local government area in the state.
Data released by RSPCA Victoria last week revealed its inspectorate received 640 animal cruelty reports within the City of Greater Geelong between July 2020 and June 2021.
It was the highest number of reports for any single local government area, ahead of Casey’s 577, and an increase on the previous year’s 561 reports.
Statewide there were 10,745 animal cruelty reports made to the RSPCA, an increase of 13 per cent, with neglect the biggest animal welfare issue.
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michael Stagg said the service’s 29 inspectors had seized 1575 animals, with reports increasing during lockdowns.
“The correlation between lockdowns and an increase in reports of animal beating and wounding is a really concerning trend,” he said.
“COVID has created a significant amount of pressure on people. When there is financial stress, mental health or drug and alcohol issues, animal cruelty and neglect tends to increase. It is also possible that reports have increased due to people being at home for longer periods.
“While reports of animals without adequate food, water or shelter have declined over the past 12 months, they still make up around half of all reports, followed by poor hygiene and insufficient grooming and housing. These reports illustrate that neglect is still our number one issue in Victoria.
“With the high number of people adopting or taking on pets during COVID, it’s vital that people understand how to look after their pet and what good welfare looks like.
“Research what your pet needs in terms of food, shelter, grooming, exercise, training, vet care and companionship and if you’re not sure, give us a call or make contact. We always prefer to help prevent welfare issues, than be called up when it’s too late.”
Of the 10,745 reports, 6800 related to dogs, 1916 to cats and 1183 to horses.
More than half of the reports, 5520, related to the animals having insufficient food, water or shelter, while 4149 reports related to hygiene or housing conditions.
There were also 1702 reports of animals being beaten or abused.
RSPCA Victoria inspectorate veterinarian Dr Rebecca Belousoff said neglect of animals far outweighed other forms of cruelty reported and formed the majority of cases she saw.
“The high number of cruelty reports involving animal neglect is sad and frustrating given how preventable most are,” she said.
“What people don’t realise is that lifelong medical and behavioural problems can result from starvation or not getting vet treatment in time.”
The reports resulted in 385 notices to comply, 53 prosecutions which all resulted in guilty findings and 31 disqualification orders banning offenders from owning pets.
