RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have rescued more than 580 animals since the start of 2026, up 24% compared to the same period last year.
This included seizing 21 cats and kittens from a single property on 17 March after receiving a report about suspected hoarding in north-west Victoria.
This most recent seizure marked the seventh time RSPCA Victoria Inspectors removed more than twenty animals at a time from different properties so far this year.
Ongoing cost-of-living pressures, un-desexed pets, and hoarding situations appear to be the culprit behind many reports, with nearly 100 kittens arriving at RSPCA Victoria’s shelters during this time, while over 170 cats and 120 dogs also came into RSPCA Victoria’s care.
Also entering RSPCA Victoria’s care were horses, chickens, a goat, turtles, ducks and a rodent.
RSPCA Victoria’s Chief Inspector Michelle Green described the conditions many of these animals were found to be living in.
“Some animals came from hoarding properties and were living in squalid living conditions, with no natural light or ventilation, with an accumulation of decades of excrement and the deceased remains of other animals,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“The animals coming in had a variety of health conditions, including those who had been abandoned and starved, others suffering with fleas, dermatitis, matted fur, and ear and eye conditions.
“Our shelter and veterinary teams have done an amazing job accommodating all the animals coming into our care, and I’m so proud of the resilience our Inspectors have shown in dealing with these often complex cases.”
RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate currently has over 900 open and active investigations across the state and continues to educate, enforce and issue legal notices under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986).
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 $12.8 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.
