Hume and the Macedon Ranges are counted among the state’s animal cruelty hotspots, a recent report from RSPCA Victoria reveals.
Of the 11,840 cruelty reports received by RSPCA Victoria this year, Hume was the source of 362 reports of cruelty and the Macedon Ranges generated 139 reports.
Chief executive Dr Liz Walker said the geographic analysis of cruelty reporting would help RSPCA target its prevention efforts to areas that needed it most.
“Our vision is ending cruelty to all animals – and we know that prevention is the key to ending cruelty,” Dr Walker said.
“Over the next year, we will be using this data to help us identify the areas that would benefit from community education and support.”
The RSPCA reports showed that dogs, cats and horses continue to feature in those issues reported to the RSPCA in the past year.
Of the 139 cases reported in the Macedon Ranges, 44 related to dogs or puppies, six to kittens and 46 to horses. Most of the concerns reported were about animal hygiene, underweight or starving animals, and sick or injured animals not receiving care.
Former wrestler Bruce Akers was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and criminal damage offences after police found more than 20 dead and dying horses on his Bulla property in April this year.
That case is currently before the courts. Meanwhile, James Jonathan Calleja, a 34-year-old from Melbourne, is due to be sentenced in Bendigo Magistrates Court on September 12 on three animal cruelty charges, two trespass charges and weapons offences.
He was found guilty of shooting a kangaroo, named Spot, in the head with a crossbow at a property at Ashbourne.
“Even one cruelty issue is one too many, yet the number of reports we receive is steadily increasing every year,” Dr Walker said.
“We know that the community is becoming more concerned about animal welfare – which may be part of the reason for the continued rise in report numbers.
“What is particularly disturbing is the fact that many of the issues reported to us involved very basic animal welfare matters.”
