RSPCA Victoria is urging pet owners to take responsibility for their animals this summer, after three dogs were found abandoned in Wyndham on Christmas Eve.
A concerned member of the community contacted RSPCA Victoria to report that the Heeler, Kelpie and Bull Arab were tethered chains in a backyard, with no sign of food or water.
After a previous tenant of the property denied ownership of the animals, all three dogs were collected by an RSPCA inspector. They were transported to a RSPCA facility for veterinary assessment and care.
It comes as RSPCA Victoria continues its new state-wide campaign targeting three of the most-commonly reported cruelty concerns during the hotter months: abandonment, dogs in hot cars and insufficient access to water and shade.
Last year the RSPCA Inspectorate received 1374 reports in relation to dogs with insufficient water and 1169 reports regarding dogs with insufficient shelter. These reports reached their peak in summer with 500 and 356 reports received for these issues respectively during the warm months.
RSPCA Victoria received 1401 reports of abandoned animals last financial year, with 468 of these reports during last summer.
Inspector Rebecca Mullenger said it was disappointing to see some people continue to show such little regard for their animals, especially at a time of year that should be about celebration.
“Pets are part of the family, so to see these three dogs left behind just a day before Christmas is heartbreaking,” Ms Mullenger said.
“If your circumstances change and you are unable to provide the level of care your pet needs, there are multiple options available to you.
“We accept surrendered animals without judgment, but owners still have to do the right thing and reach out for assistance.
The dogs found in the Wyndham backyard are not yet available for adoption and will continue to undergo health and behavioural assessment and rehabilitation, including potential time with foster carers.
For more information on RSPCA Victoria’s summer campaign visit www.rspcavic.org/summer.
