AS a team leader for RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate North Nest region, my team of four inspectors and I share 41 years of experience investigating reports of animal cruelty.
Inspectors Alice, Jeremy, Mark, Narelle, and I respond to reports of animal cruelty from Melbourne to Mildura and everywhere in between.
Out on the road, we’re seeing firsthand how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting pet owners and their ability to provide care for their pets.
We’re frequently encountering animals who haven’t had regular vet checks, including flea or worm protection, appropriate grooming, and dental care.
Unusual weather patterns across our region are affecting horses with a longer season for founder (laminitis) and increased cases of dermatitis and fleas with dogs and cats, while local cat populations aren’t being de-sexed and are experiencing more cases of parvo, ringworm, and cat flu.
We’re extremely grateful to the community for their ongoing vigilance in reporting animal cruelty.
Over the past six months, we received 1255 reports and tip-offs about animal cruelty in the North West and 460 animals were seized or surrendered into our care.
It’s estimated caring for these animals costs RSPCA Victoria at least $1.5 million.
Last financial year, 484 animals came into our care. While we’ll exceed this total by the end of June, a large-scale seizure of more than 100 horses has contributed to this high number.
This doesn’t happen every week, and I am hopeful we won’t have to conduct a similar operation again this year.
As we enter what is historically the busiest time of year, we urge everyone in the North West to remain vigilant for animal cruelty in our area and to report it to RSPCA Victoria by calling 9224 2222 or online at www.rspcavic.org/cruelty-report.
The community support we see every day keeps us going and makes each day just a little bit better.
At the end of the day, RSPCA inspectors are here to help and thankfully, many of the animals we encounter every day have loving owners who want to do the best they can for their pets.
Together, let’s end animal cruelty.
Karen Collier
RSPCA inspectorate team leader (north west region)
