UPDATE: New data reveals that Brimbank ranks as the 12th highest local government area for animal cruelty reports in Victoria for the 2024-25 financial year. A staggering 241 reports of animal cruelty were submitted to the RSPCA, up dramatically from just two reports the previous year.
The RSPCA’s latest annual report highlights a concerning trend, indicating that 77 animals were seized or surrendered by inspectors in Brimbank, a decrease from 117 in the prior year. Despite this drop, Brimbank remains 6th in the state for the most animals seized or surrendered, a decline of two positions from last year.
Across Victoria, more than 10,000 animal cruelty reports were recorded, with 1,870 animals seized or surrendered—almost double the number from a decade ago. The RSPCA attributes this surge partly to an increase in hoarding situations, underweight animals, and cases involving horses, exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions and cost-of-living pressures.
Chief Inspector Michelle Green stated, “While it’s frustrating to see malicious animal cruelty still occurring, our inspectors are seeing basic animal neglect much more often.” She emphasized that reports of animals lacking sufficient food, water, or shelter have skyrocketed.
Green further noted, “Mental health concerns can also impact someone’s ability to provide for the basic needs of their pets, further complicating our inspectors’ work.” In response to the growing crisis, RSPCA inspectors are providing emergency pet food to struggling households and offering additional support, including donated kennels and preventative treatment for pets.
Currently, the RSPCA operates with only 28 inspectors across the state, raising concerns about the capacity to respond effectively to the rising number of reports. The organization urges anyone with concerns about animal welfare to report them immediately to the RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/who-to-call or by calling 03 9224 2222.
This urgent situation needs immediate attention as communities grapple with the consequences of neglect and cruelty. With rising reports and limited resources, the RSPCA’s work has never been more critical.
