General News
19 September, 2025
Animal cruelty rates show residents need more support, Pyrenees council says
The Pyrenees and Central Goldfields shires sit in the top two spots for animal cruelty reports per capita, recent RSPCA Victoria data shows, as the impacts of drought and cost-of-living surge across the state.
According to RSPCA Victoria’s Animal Cruelty Report 2024/25, there were over 10,000 animal cruelty reports made state-wide, with 1870 animals seized or surrendered — the latter almost doubling the amount a decade ago.
Despite having less than five seizures or surrenders in either the Pyrenees or Central Goldfields shires, and comparatively low animal cruelty reports compared to other areas, both rural councils ranked the highest for reports per 1000 population.
Sitting at 47 reports, compared to the Central Goldfield Shire’s 71, and in the top spot per capita Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan said their high ranking was due to the reality of small shires.
“Despite having low animal cruelty reports, small rural councils are higher on the reports per 1000 population list due to high numbers of domestic and farming animals and small populations,” he said.
He explained animals across the Pyrenees Shire are currently impacted by the effects of drought, the lack of feed, and the cost to import fodder.
“Our communities and farming families impacted by drought have seen some of the worst conditions for many years and many desperately need ongoing support,” he said.
It’s a sentiment echoed by RSPCA chief inspector Michelle Green who said, while malicious animal cruelty still occurred, it paled in comparison to the impact of drought and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“While it’s frustrating to see malicious animal cruelty still occurring, our inspectors are seeing basic animal neglect much more often,” she said.
According to the organisation, animals in rural areas are suffering from feed scarcity due to the drought — particularly horses.
“Our inspectors are spending more time working with rural animal owners, especially horse owners, as drought conditions have worsened,” she said.
“Feed simply can’t grow well in these conditions, making it far more expensive and difficult to source than in previous years.”
The RSPCA found a 32 percent increase in cruelty reports involving horses over the last year, at 1197 reports, with a 23 percent increase in those seized or surrendered, at 209 horses.
The annual report’s data is always concerning to the Pyrenees Shire Council, Mr Nolan explained, while reminding the community to remain diligent.
“Council detests all forms of cruelty to animals and encourages residents to report any instances to the RSPCA,” he said.
“It’s good that our community is reporting instances of animal cruelty, and we commend the RSPCA for their work in responding to these reports.”
However, what the RSPCA’s report overlooked concerned Mr Nolan.
“The lack of information in these reports about the number of reported instances that have been inspected and acted on by the RSPCA also remains an ongoing concern,” he said.
Speaking generally, a Central Goldfields Shire Council spokesperson said all cruelty cases they receive are directed to the RSPCA.
“At times, we will assist the RSPCA, however, we are not authorised to seize or to create a warrant under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” they said.
The spokesperson did not comment further prior to print deadline.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/who-to-call or by calling 03 9224-2222.