By Renee Wood
Yarra Ranges LGA has been listed as the unenviable seventh place in the state for animal cruelty reports in the past year, seeing 311 received by RSPCA in 2021-2022 financial year.
Reports have increased with Yarra Ranges ranked 11th for 288 reports in the previous year.
Greater Geelong City Council remains the hotspot out of the 79 LGAs for animal cruelty with 552 reports this year and 640 the previous year.
Yarra Ranges Council Director Communities, Jane Price, said RSPCA in consultation with Yarra Ranges Council Community Safety Officers manage animal welfare and cruelty reports.
“While the majority of people who own or interact with animals treat them humanely and comply with agreed animal welfare standards, unfortunately there are instances where this is not the case and an investigation is needed to identify whether a breach of the legislation has occurred,” Ms Price said.
The data released by RSPCA has shown that neglect is the most common type of report received across the state and dogs, cats and horses are the most commonly reported animals.
Neglect reports have come from community members having knowledge of animals with a lack of food, water, shelter, vet care.
Ms Price encourages all residents to report any welfare concerns for local animals.
“If you witness cruelty or suspect that cruelty to an animal has occurred, a report can be made to the RSPCA either online or by phoning 03 9224 2222,” she said.
“If residents are struggling to care for their animals they can also reach out for help, speak to their vet about options or contact RSPCA Victoria.”
RSPCA released the data while also launching a brand new online, interactive map to allow the community to track rates of animal cruelty in their own area and across Victoria.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said that by raising awareness of the most prevalent types of animal cruelty, the community can work together to do better for Victoria’s animals.
“For many, the perception of animal cruelty relates to deliberate acts such as beating or wounding, and while this does occur, the data consistently shows the most common form of cruelty is neglect,” Chief Inspector Stagg said.
“There are many responsible pet ownership resources available, and we encourage anyone who is the owner or person in charge of animals to be aware of their responsibilities to provide care, or alternatively to seek help from their local council, a veterinarian or animal welfare organisation.”
Recently Council endorsed its the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2026 and Ms Price said this highlights council’s commitment to reminding residents of their pet ownership responsibilities.
“It also outlines in detail, our own responsibilities in setting and enforcing rules around pets and creating ways for pets and their owners to have fulfilling lives here in the Yarra Ranges,” she said.
“Council, along with local vet clinics, provide information to animal owners about the importance of responsible pet ownership and our officers also work with Animal Aid to reunite lost animals with their owners while promoting responsible pet ownership.”
The RSPCA has provided these three steps in how Victorians can help end animal cruelty
STEP 1 – If you have pets or are in charge of animals, make sure they provide them with:
Ø Sufficient food
Ø Access to clean water all the time
Ø Adequate shelter
Ø Clean, secure living space
Ø Regular veterinary checks and prompt vet care if unwell or injured
Ø Regular grooming (e.g. some breeds of dog and cat), dental checks and farrier visits for horses.
STEP 2 – If you are struggling to care for your animals don’t ignore the problem – reach out for help:
Ø Speak with your vet about your options
Ø Contact your local animal shelter or RSPCA Victoria
Ø Consider surrendering your pet to an animal shelter so it can receive proper care and be rehomed.
STEP 3 – If you are concerned about animal cruelty:
Ø Report it to RSPCA Victoria by phoning (03) 9224 2222 – line is open 24/7
Ø Visit www.rspcavic.org and make an online report
If you would like to visit the interactive map, follow https://rspcavic.org/interactive-cruelty-data-map/
