In short:
Wyndham recorded 397 alleged animal cruelty reports in 2025–26, down from 409 the previous year but remaining one of Victoria’s busiest municipalities for complaints. RSPCA Victoria says financial hardship, mental health and a lack of education are among the leading factors contributing to animal welfare cases.
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Wyndham Still Animal Cruelty Hotspot
Wyndham recorded fewer reported animal cruelty cases over the past financial year but remains one of Victoria’s busiest municipalities for complaints, according to new RSPCA Victoria data.
The organisation’s annual Animal Cruelty Report shows 397 alleged cruelty reports were made in Wyndham during the 2025–26 financial year, down from 409 the previous year. Despite the decline, Wyndham remained among Victoria’s highest-reporting local government areas.
Across Victoria, RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate responded to nearly 9,000 cruelty reports involving almost 60,000 animals during the year. More than 2,200 animals were seized by, or surrendered to, inspectors due to animal welfare concerns.
For the first time, the report also examines the underlying causes behind animal cruelty cases investigated by inspectors.
A lack of understanding or education was identified as the leading contributing factor, followed by referrals to other agencies, mental health concerns, financial hardship, hospitalisation or physical limitations, and drug use.
Situation Not Improving Across Victoria
Domestic or family violence, homelessness, intent to harm animals and imprisonment were also identified as contributing factors in some investigations.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the figures showed conditions were not improving for Victoria’s animals.
“Despite the number of cruelty reports reducing, we’ve seen a nearly 19% increase in the number of animals seized by or surrendered to our Inspectorate, including an 80% increase in the number of reports related to hoarding compared to two years ago,” she said.
“We know when people suffer, their animals do too, and this year’s report shows the breadth and complexity of the cases RSPCA Victoria Inspectors investigate and the challenges they face while doing this incredible work.”
The RSPCA said a single investigation can involve multiple underlying causes, meaning the categories are not mutually exclusive. It is encouraging anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal to report it to the organisation.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria here or do so by calling 03 9224 2222.
