KINGSTON has been ranked 22nd out of 79 Victorian council areas for reports of animal cruelty in the 2016-17 financial year according to RSPCA figures released last week, 65th on a per capita basis.
Concerns about the welfare of animals totalled 160 in Kingston among 10,180 cruelty reports across the state.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive officer Dr Liz Walker said the animal welfare organisation needs to direct its education and enforcement efforts to the regions that need it most.
“This year, RSPCA Victoria has started working more closely with local councils to understand local animal welfare issues, and to put in place tailored, local initiatives to educate owners and better protect animals.”
Reports about animals not receiving basic care outnumbered all other offences reported.
“It’s disappointing to see that, for the second year in a row, too many Victorian animals were reported to us because of concerns about very basic issues: food, water, shelter and vet care when they’re sick or injured.
“These kinds of problems are so preventable,” Dr Walker said.
“Whether it’s asking family or friends for support, seeking assistance from animal welfare groups, or surrendering animals to be rehomed, we would strongly encourage owners who aren’t keeping up with the basics to seek help to care for their animals.”
Reports received from Kingston included:
- 71 reports of animals with insufficient food, water or shelter
- 47 concerns about hygiene, grooming and housing conditions
- 21 reports of underweight animals
- 28 issues involving sick or injured animals not receiving vet treatment
- 20 concerns about animals being beaten or wounded and
- 14 abandoned animals.
“In most cases, concerns reported to us are quickly resolved by our Inspectors educating the owner or person in charge of the animals involved, and reminding them of their legal obligations to care for their animals,” Dr Walker said.
“In some cases, a stronger response is needed: a notice to comply, seizing and taking an animal into protective custody, or – when all else fails – prosecuting.”
Welfare concerns for dogs, cats and horses continued to make up the majority of issues reported to RSPCA Victoria.
Of 160 reports received in Kingston:
- 106 involved dogs and puppies
- 25 involved cats and kittens and
- 7 involved horses.
Last year, Kingston ranked 21st out of 79 councils for animal cruelty reports, 65th on a per capita basis.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 23 August 2017
