RSPCA Victoria has released its annual Animal Cruelty Report for the 2024/25 financial year and Hume is in the top five.
The most common issues the charity found in the state was animal hoarding, underweight pets, and horse neglect as drought conditions and cost-of-living pressures continue to impact Victorians.
In Hume during the 12 months to 30 June there were 431 reports of animal cruelty (369 in the previous reporting period).
During the financial year RSPCA officers seized 86 pets across Hume, placing it third in the animal cruelty list after Yarra Ranges (108) and Casey (162).
Pet owners unable to afford their pets, and horse owners struggling to source feed, were just some of the issues RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors saw.
Altogether more than 10,000 animal cruelty reports were made by members of the public across the state, with 1,870 animals seized by or surrendered to RSPCA – almost double the number of a decade ago.
While dog and cat cruelty cases dropped across the state, cruelty to kittens rose by 34% to 219. Cruelty to horses also rose, up 21% to 209.
Chief Inspector Michelle Green said that while malicious animal cruelty still occurred, it paled in comparison to the impact of the drought and 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,” Ms Green said.
“Mental health concerns can also impact someone’s ability to provide the basic needs of their pets, further adding to the complexity of our inspectors’ work.”
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. To view Victoria’s cruelty hotspots, see the interactive cruelty map.
