The reported cases of animal cruelty have risen in Wyndham in the last year, according to the latest statistics in RSPCA’s annual Animal Cruelty Report.
A total of 384 reports were made in Wyndham, up from 373 in 2022-2023.
The total number of animals seized or surrendered was 98, compared to 29 in 2022-23.
While the number of reported incidents have risen, the rate of reports dropped from 1.64 to 1.57 per 1000 residents.
Wyndham ranked 7th out of 54 LGAs in Victoria, falling three places from the year before.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis was named as one of the contributing factors.
While malicious forms of cruelty such as beatings, live-baiting and fighting are still being seen, RSPCA said their team have been helping struggling pet owners more than ever.
RSPCA acting chief inspector Michelle Green commented on the situation.
“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,“ she said.
“We’re also seeing people struggling to provide for the number of animals they have, whether that be households caring for unplanned litters from un-desexed pets, or people whose circumstances have changed and they’re no longer able to support their pets.“
RSPCA urges anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals in Victoria to make a report at: http://rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or by calling 03 9224 2222.
