The number of animal cruelty reports in Macedon Ranges is declining, but compared to the number of residents, incidents still exceed the statewide average.
RSPCA Victoria recorded 96 reports about the welfare of animals in the Macedon Ranges in the year to June 30, ranking it 40th of Victoria’s 79 local council areas for animal cruelty reports.
This marks an improvement on last year’s ranking of 29th, but the number of incidents equates to one report for every 480 residents – compared to the state average of one report per 581 residents.
It’s the opposite case in Hume, where 324 concerns about animal welfare were reported to the RSPCA this year.
While Hume has gone up in the rankings – having moved to sixth place from seventh last year – the number of reports per person is below the state average, at one per 609 residents.
Hume corporate services director Daryl Whitford said the council often worked closely with the RSPCA to ensure animals were being treated according to the law.
“Council has a leading role in preventing puppy farms, and auditing registered Domestic Animal Businesses, including breeding operations, pet shops and boarding kennels,” Mr Whitford said.
Macedon Ranges council director assets and operations Dale Thornton said council rangers worked with the RSPCA to investigate all reports.
“We’re also in the process of finalising a new four-year Domestic Animal Management Plan that proposes activities focused on raising awareness and educating residents,” Mr Thornton said.
Animals not receiving basic care far outnumbered all other offences in the 10,180 reports RSPCA Victoria received this year.
To report animal cruelty call 9224 2222.
