General News
23 August, 2024
Pyrenees and Central Goldfields score poorly for animal cruelty reports
The Pyrenees and Central Goldfields Shires have ranked in the top five for animal cruelty reports per capita in Victoria, a new report by the RSPCA has found, with cost-of-living pressures impacting the ability of animal owners to care for their pets.
According to its latest Animal Cruelty Report, almost 10,000 reports of animal cruelty were lodged with the RSPCA in the last financial year, with some 2250 animals seized or surrendered by RSPCA’s inspectorate.
Cats were among the most commonly seized or surrendered pets in the state between July 1, 2023 and June 30 this year, while dogs, puppies, horses and kittens were also most commonly seized or surrendered.
These same species were the most commonly reported to RSPCA inspectors, as well as sheep, with complaints ranging from husbandry issues to insufficient water, food or shelter being provided.
According to RSPCA Victoria, the Central Goldfields ranked 28th in the state for the number of animals seized or surrendered, while the Pyrenees was numbered 54.
Despite the relatively low number of seizures made, both local government areas continue to sit in the top five in the state for cruelty reports made per 1000 population — with the Pyrenees Shire ranked highest in the state and Central Goldfields sitting at fourth with 44 and 59 reports respectively.
RSPCA Victoria’s acting chief inspector Michelle Green said while malicious cruelty was still occurring, their team was encountering struggling pet owners more than previously.
“It’s an increasingly challenging environment out there following the pressures of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis is only compounding this,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
“It’s incredibly disappointing to see malicious cruelty still occurring in the community.
“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.”
Despite ranking highest in the state, the Pyrenees Shire saw fewer than five animals seized or surrendered — something CEO Jim Nolan in part attributes to being a rural council.
“Pyrenees Shire Council is disappointed by the continuing number of animal cruelty reports in our shire,” he said.
“While it’s positive to see a slow downward trend in animal cruelty reports in the Pyrenees, with 44 reports this year down from 51 in 2021, cruelty against animals is unacceptable.
“Council understands that despite 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.
“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.
“Through all of this, our local laws team stands ready to support the RSPCA to make sure animals in the shire are protected.”
The Central Goldfields Shire saw a more than 40 percent decline in the number of animals seized over the last year, with 24 animals taken by the RSPCA compared to 41 last year.
Central Goldfields Shire manager statutory services Peter Field said while it may appear concerning, the data signifies that residents will act if they believe animals are not being treated or cared for appropriately.
“Like most small rural councils, we are not authorised under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to act on reports — which contributes to a higher number of calls from the community directly to RSPCA,” he said.
“Our rural location and the fact we have livestock related reports in addition to domestic animals also contributes to the higher number.
“It’s also positive to see that our community takes animal welfare seriously. It’s evident that they are reporting the issues that they see rather than ignoring them.
“We applaud our community for taking responsibility and their commitment to animal welfare.”
Mr Field said cost-of-living pressures were having a tangible impact on pet ownership and care locally.
“Our pound is experiencing an increased number of surrendered animals due to cost-of-living,” he said.
“While this is not an excuse to neglect any animal, it is a reminder to community members to understand when they need to reach out and seek assistance before RSPCA involvement is necessary.”