RSPCA Victoria’s annual Animal Cruelty Report has shown a rise in animal seizures and surrenders in the Frankston Local Government Area during the last financial year.
While data from 2024/25 had animals seized or surrendered at 30, data from the 2025/26 financial year shows a 36 per cent jump to 41 animals seized or surrendered.
In terms of the number of reports of animal cruelty in the 12 months, Frankston had 239, making it the 12th highest LGA for animal cruelty reports out of 79 in the state; a decrease from ninth the previous year.
Neighbouring Mornington Peninsula LGA fared much worse with 103 animals seized or surrendered, up from 22 the previous year. Much of that rise can be attributed to a single property on Moorooduc Hwy in Mt Eliza, accounting for at least 35 animal seizures.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said this year’s data showed conditions are not improving for Victoria’s animals.
“Despite the number of cruelty reports reducing, we’ve seen a nearly 19% increase in the number of animals seized by or surrendered to our Inspectorate, including an 80% increase in the number of reports related to hoarding compared to two years ago,” said Green.
“Many of Victoria’s pet owners are facing financial hardship and mental health challenges, as well as drought in some areas, and this has directly affected their pets.
“Our inspectors are spending more time working with rural animal owners, especially horse owners, with a more than 10% increase in horses seized or surrendered this year including a significant number of thoroughbreds.”
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/who-to-call or by calling 03 9224 2222.
First published in the Frankston Times – 4 August 2026
