By Tate Papworth
The RSPCA received 254 reports of animal cruelty within the Brimbank municipality during the 2018-19 financial year.
The animal welfare body received 77 reports of husbandry issues, which includes grooming, poor hygiene, poor living conditions and improper rugging.
It received a further 73 reports of sick and injured animals, 46 for underweight animals and 46 of insufficient water.
Brimbank had the 15th highest number of complaints in the state, but came in 60th per capita.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker was disappointed to note that neglect made up the highest proportion of animal cruelty concerns reported.
“Neglect is a form of cruelty, and it is heartbreaking to know so many animals continue to suffer across our state due to lack of basic care,” Dr Walker said.
“The 2018-19 animal cruelty report statistics clearly illustrate the need for further education and for people to seek help if they are having trouble providing basic care for their animals.”
Dogs and puppies were the cause of most concern within Brimbank with 178 reports, while there were 62 reports made about cats and kittens and 17 for birds.
Dr Walker encouraged the community to continue reporting suspected cases of cruelty.
“Looking at these figures, it’s easy to feel disheartened. However, it’s affirming that each individual report made to our Inspectorate represents a person who has acted on their concern for an animal,” she said.
“The individuals who make these reports give voice to vulnerable animals who can’t speak for themselves.”
Across the state, the RSPCA received 11,638 animal cruelty reports in 2018-19 – an average of 31 per day.
The 11,638 cruelty reports received represent an increase of almost 1,000 reports compared to the previous year’s total of 10,642, or 9.4 per cent.
