Cruelty Data Map

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 2021-2022 financial year, RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate responded to 10,577 reports of animal cruelty. Neglect was the basis for almost half (46%) 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.

A new interactive animal cruelty map now makes it possible for members of the community to track rates of animal cruelty in their local government area and across the state – with Geelong and Casey holding the unfortunate top spots for the second year running. Rounding out the top 5 hotspots based on the number of reports received are Wyndham, Hume and Whittlesea.

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

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,’ says RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg. ‘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 says.

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 three steps all Victorians can take to help end animal cruelty:

STEP 1 – 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 2 – 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 3 – If you suspect or are concerned about animal cruelty report it to RSPCA Victoria by:

• phoning (03) 9224 2222 anytime, or
• completing and submitting an online report.