URGENT UPDATE: Hume has emerged as a troubling hotspot for animal cruelty, with new data revealing it ranks third in Victoria for both reports and seizures. According to RSPCA Victoria’s latest animal cruelty report, there were 431 public reports of alleged cruelty and 86 animals seized or surrendered during the 2024-2025 financial year.
Statewide, RSPCA Victoria confirmed that more than 10,000 reports of animal cruelty were lodged, with 1,870 animals seized or surrendered, marking an alarming increase that is nearly double the rate of a decade ago. This surge in animal welfare issues comes as cost of living pressures and worsening drought conditions are impacting the ability of pet owners to provide basic care.
The most prevalent complaint across Victoria was animals lacking essential needs such as food, water, or shelter, which skyrocketed by 43 percent to 7,916 cases compared to the previous year. Reports of underweight animals also rose by 22 percent, totaling 3,936 cases, while complaints about poor living conditions or grooming saw a slight decrease of 7.10 percent.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green expressed frustration over the rising neglect cases:
“While it’s frustrating to see malicious animal cruelty still occurring, our inspectors are seeing basic animal neglect much more often,”
she stated. Green highlighted that many owners struggle to provide for the number of animals they have, leading to disturbing hoarding situations.
To combat this crisis, RSPCA inspectors are stepping up their efforts by providing emergency food, bedding, and preventative treatments to struggling households. Green added,
“We also offer a range of other supports, including donated kennels or bedding for pets and preventative flea and worming treatments.”
In response to these escalating issues, RSPCA Victoria is calling for the introduction of updated animal welfare laws, specifically the Animal Care and Protection Bill, to reinforce minimum standards of care for animals across the state.
Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of an animal is strongly urged to contact RSPCA Victoria at 9224 2222 or visit rspcavic.org/who-to-call. This urgent call to action is crucial as the community grapples with rising rates of animal neglect and cruelty, emphasizing the need for immediate support and legislative change.
The situation in Hume serves as a stark reminder of the growing crisis affecting animal welfare in Victoria, demanding prompt attention and action from both authorities and the public.
