Interactive Animal Cruelty Map 2023


Animal cruelty is more widespread than you may think. RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors are authorised to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases – sadly, we receive nearly 30 reports a day.

At the end of each financial year, we publish our annual cruelty report data to let the public know where and how animal cruelty is occurring across Victoria. Raising awareness is important for ending cruelty.

Welfare concerns for dogs, cats and horses continue to make up the majority of cruelty reports received by RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate in 2022-23.

Report Cruelty

Top three animals reported

7,049
Dogs and puppies
2,183
Cats and kittens
1,006
Horses

What is animal cruelty?

For many, the perception of animal cruelty relates to deliberate acts such as beating or wounding an animal, and while this does occur, animal cruelty data consistently shows the most common form of cruelty is neglect.

During the 2022-2023 financial year, RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate responded to 10,561 reports of animal cruelty. Neglect was the basis for more than half (50.5%) of all reports received, meaning members of the community had reported concerns for animals with a lack of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Other types of neglect reported included poor husbandry, lack of appropriate hygiene and insufficient grooming, shearing and farriery for horses.

Animal cruelty hotspots

The interactive animal cruelty map makes it possible for members of the community to track rates of animal cruelty in their local government area (LGA) and across the state. This includes the number of animals seized or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate by LGA, the number of cruelty reports per 1,000 population by LGA, and the total number of cruelty reports by LGA.

Simply click on the map below to see the animal cruelty rankings for your local government area.

Download Resource

Help end animal cruelty

Responsible pet ownership

Pet owners or persons in charge of an animal have legal and moral obligations to look after animals in their care. It is important all pet owners understand the specific needs of their pets in terms of food, water, shelter, grooming and exercise.

RSPCA Victoria is committed to helping people better care for their pets. ‘There are many responsible pet ownership resources available,’ RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said. ‘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 community, a veterinarian or animal welfare organisation,’ he said.

Steps you can take

Pet owners or persons in charge of an animal have legal and moral obligations to look after animals in their care. It is important all pet owners understand the specific needs of their pets in terms of food, water, shelter, grooming and exercise.

RSPCA Victoria is committed to helping people better care for their pets. ‘There are many responsible pet ownership resources available,’ RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said. ‘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 community, a veterinarian or animal welfare organisation,’ he said.

By raising awareness of animal cruelty and the most prevalent types of cruelty experienced by animals in Victoria, the community can work together to do better for the animals in our state.

There are  four steps all Victorians can take to help end animal cruelty:

STEP 1 – If you are thinking of getting a pet or taking care of animals, make sure you do your research into:

STEP 2 – If you have pets or are in charge of animals, make sure you provide them with:

  • Sufficient food
  • Access to clean water all the time
  • Adequate shelter
  • Clean, secure living space
  • Regular veterinary checks and prompt vet care if unwell or injured
  • Regular grooming (e.g., some breeds of dog and cat), dental checks and farrier visits for horses.

STEP 3 – If you are struggling to care for your animals don’t ignore the problem – reach out for help:

  • Speak with your vet about your options
  • Contact your local animal shelter or RSPCA Victoria
  • Consider surrendering your pet to an animal shelter so it can receive proper care and be rehomed.

STEP 4 – If you suspect or are concerned about animal cruelty report it to RSPCA Victoria by: