Brimbank remained the 12th highest local government area in Victoria for the number of animal cruelty reports submitted to RSPCA in the 2024-25 financial year, according to the most recent data.
The RSPCA’s annual animal cruelty report revealed 241 submissions of animal cruelty in Brimbank were made to the organisation, up from two the previous financial year.
Seventy-seven animals in Brimbank were seized by or surrendered to RSPCA inspectors, down from 117 the previous financial year.
The municipality ranked sixth in the state for the most animals seized or surrendered, falling two places from last year.
Across the state more than 10,000 animal cruelty reports were made with 1870 animals seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate, almost double the number of animals seized or surrendered ten years ago.
RSPCA said there was a spike in hoarding, underweight animals and horse cases across the state due to drought conditions and cost of living pressures impacting Victorians.
Chief inspector Michelle Green said while malicious animal cruelty still occurred, it paled in comparison to the impact of the drought and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“While it’s frustrating to see malicious animal cruelty still occurring, our inspectors are seeing basic animal neglect much more often,” Chief inspector Green said.
“In particular, reports of animals with insufficient food, water, or shelter skyrocketed compared to the previous year, along with seeing people really struggling to provide for the number of animals they have, including animals in hoarding situations.
“Mental health concerns can also impact someone’s ability to provide for the basic needs of their pets, further adding to the complexity of our inspectors’ work.
“When they can, our inspectors help with emergency pet food to struggling households. We also offer a range of other supports, including donated kennels or bedding for pets and preventative flea and worming treatments.”
According to the RSPCA, the organisation only had 28 inspectors working across the state in March this year.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/who-to-call or by calling 03 9224 2222.
