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Cases of neglect and abuse rise, with total reports reaching 384 last year amidst economic pressures.
Animal cruelty reports have seen an increase in Wyndham over the past year, as per the latest data from the RSPCA’s annual Animal Cruelty Report.
In Wyndham, a total of 384 reports of animal cruelty were lodged, a slight rise from the previous year’s 373.
The number of animals seized or handed over reached 98, a significant jump from 29 in the prior year.
Although reports of cruelty have increased, the frequency of such reports slightly decreased from 1.21 to 1.18 per 1,000 residents.
Among the 54 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Victoria, Wyndham is ranked seventh, a drop of three positions from last year, with Hume leading as the number one LGA.
The rising cost of living has been identified as a major factor contributing to these trends.
RSPCA has noted instances of severe cruelty, including beatings, live-baiting, and animal fighting. However, the organization is increasingly assisting pet owners who are struggling.
RSPCA’s acting chief inspector, Michelle Green, provided insights into the nature of these reports.
“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 stated.
She added, “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.”
