RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors have rescued a staggering 131 animals in multiple large-scale and complex, animal cruelty operations across the state last week as drought conditions and cost of living continue to hit animal owners.

The largest and most complex operation saw a team of five Inspectors assess nearly 200 horses, culminating in them taking surrender of nearly 60 of the most at-risk, removing them from the Towong Shire property over several days.

The operation was run by RSPCA Victoria Inspectors and required significant coordination and logistics including specialist horse handlers, transport specialists, holding yards and a number of agistment properties.

The Inspectorate issued legal notices under the Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) and the investigation remains ongoing.

RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate received more than 1197 cruelty reports relating to horses over the last 12 months, a 32% increase on the previous year.

60 dogs were also seized and surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors from nine different locations, including popular breeds such as Kelpies, Border Collies, Bichon Frise’s, and Labradors.

Sadly, nearly 30 dogs and several days’ old puppies were surrendered from a single property near Geelong, with one dog giving birth to six puppies within hours of arriving at the shelter.

All counted, Inspectors brought in a total of 58 horses, 52 dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat, 8 kittens, 3 goats, and a duck to RSPCA Victoria’s care in just one week.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the widespread scale of animal cruelty was concerning.

“Our Inspectors conduct large-scale investigations and seizures on a regular basis; however, it’s unusual to have so many large groups of animals arriving in our care in such poor condition in a single week,” Chief Inspector Green said.

“Many of the animals the Inspectors saw were significantly underweight, suffering from malnutrition, had not been provided necessary veterinary care, and in many cases were in squalid living conditions.

“In particular, many of the dogs arrived at our shelter covered in faeces, with matted fur and severely underweight, and our shelter and veterinary teams have done an amazing job accommodating all the animals coming into our care.

“I would like to commend our Inspectors for their commitment and resilience shown through these investigations; their work is invaluable to ending animal cruelty across the state.

“It took time for these animals to get into such poor condition, and many will now require weeks, if not months, of rehabilitation, specialised veterinary care, and a whole lot of love to help them recover from the cruelty and neglect they have suffered.

“The rehabilitation and care of these animals is only possible thanks to incredibly generous donations from the Victorian community, and we thank each and every donor for their support.

“It’s clear some people are struggling to provide the basics for their animals, and we urge people not to wait until they are suffering like this before seeking assistance from us, local vets or their local council.”

To find out how to make an animal cruelty report, visit RSPCA Victoria. If an animal is in immediate danger or at risk of death contact Victoria Police.

Inspectorate animal care costs are forecast to be nearly $5 million this financial year and are fully funded by generous donations from the Victorian community. To donate and support this life-saving work visit RSPCA Victoria.

RSPCA Victoria is continuing to investigate a case of underweight horses on a property in the Mornington Peninsula.

As a result our Inspectorate has opened an investigation and is attending the property regularly to monitor the progression of the horses’ welfare. The owner is currently cooperating with our Inspectorate.

As this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide additional information regarding this matter. In this and all cases, animal welfare remains our priority.

We appreciate the community’s concern and commitment to animal welfare. Our Inspectors will continue to ensure that animal welfare concerns are addressed.

It’s important to note, moving horses who may be unwell can result in worse welfare outcomes, and rebuilding their weight must be done gradually to avoid adverse health outcomes. We ask for the community’s patience and support while we work with interested parties to monitor the animals and work towards a positive outcome. We implore the public to adhere to all applicable laws and not to interfere with our investigation, which could compromise the outcome for the horses and our Inspectors’ safety.

It is vital that all animal cruelty reports are provided to us via our Inspectorate to ensure appropriate triaging and case management. We are aware the social media attention surrounding animals on this property is high and we encourage people to be wary of dated or inaccurate information.

We are actively advocating for the introduction of updated laws (the Animal Care and Protection Bill) which will provide greater protections for animal welfare. The legislation we currently operate in accordance with, was enacted in 1986 and no longer meets community expectations for animal welfare. We believe the updated Animal Care and Protection Bill will give our Inspectorate the ability to better enforce minimum care standards and improve animal welfare in Victoria.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors are the only authorised officers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act who currently enforce and prosecute horse welfare in the state. We have received more than 900 cruelty reports related to horses this financial year and over 10,000 animal cruelty reports more broadly.

We encourage you to advocate for the introduction of the Animal Care and Protection Bill in your local community to ensure our Inspectorate and other authorised bodies are empowered to enforce modern minimum care standards and improved tools for animal welfare.

To find out how to make an animal cruelty report, visit RSPCA Victoria. If an animal is in immediate danger or at risk of death contact Victoria Police.

A 58-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman from Croydon South were convicted of two charges of animal cruelty in separate hearings at the Ringwood Magistrates Court on 26 February and 17 April 2025.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a property near Lake Eppalock after receiving an animal cruelty report and found the burial site of a Border Collie dog in nearby bushland.

Witnesses reported seeing the man striking the dog with a metal pipe-like object and saw the animal’s apparently lifeless body when he was asked to stop.

The man was later seen carrying the dog’s body into nearby bushland when further striking noises were heard before he returned without the animal and carrying a broken shovel.

The veterinarian’s report found the animal had suffered ‘extreme pain’ before its death.

“The dog would have been in extreme pain at the time of the injuries… [the injuries] would have required a high impact trauma,” the report said.

“The pattern of fractures associated with acute haemorrhage, without skin lesions, suggests they are most likely caused by … blunt force injuries.”

When RSPCA Inspectors interviewed the man, he stated the dog had developed a tumour and had been unwell over the past six months but had not provided any veterinary care.

The woman denied the dog had showed signs of pain or discomfort in the months prior to the offence.

The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Anyone found guilty of similar cruelty offences can face fines of up to $98,795.00 or two years imprisonment.

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.

A 41-year-old Melton woman pleaded guilty to two charges of animal cruelty at the Bacchus Marsh Court on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a property in Melton after receiving an animal cruelty report from a member of the public and found two Australian riding ponies in an emaciated condition, with severe lice infestations, poor hoof condition and dental issues.

The Inspectors issued a Notice to Comply, instructing the woman to provide immediate nutrition and veterinary care to the horses.

When the Inspectors returned, there was no change in the horses’ condition, and they immediately seized the horses under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) (POCTAA).

The treating veterinarian said the lack of basic feed and care had contributed to the animals’ condition.

The woman was sentenced to a five-year good behaviour bond, banned from owning any horses or ponies for five years, and ordered to pay costs of $6,208.84 to RSPCA Victoria.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said basic animal care is essential to keeping your animal safe and healthy.

The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Anyone found guilty of cruelty offences can face fines of up to $49,397.50 or 12 months’ imprisonment.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.

It’s estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $10.7 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.