RSPCA animal cruelty report makes bad reading for Queensland

The RSPCA’s animal cruelty survey shows a sharp rise in cases across Queensland, and the town that tops the list of shame has done so for the past four years.

These joeys were left orphaned after their mothers were killed by dogs and car strikes at South Mission Beach. They are being looked after by a carer and once they are old enough, will be relocated by Cassowary Coast Wildlife Shelter director Tanya Jones.

CABOOLTURE has topped the state for animal cruelty complaints for the fourth consecutive year.

The annual RSPCA survey shows a sharp rise in cases across the state.

“Some are minor, some are unfounded but many are neglect, stupidity and cruelty,” RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said. “We’re talking about incidents that range from someone abandoning an animal to shooting a possum to leaving a dog in a hot car.”

In 2014, the group fielded 18,334 complaints – an increase on 2013 (16,777) and 2012 (15,144).

“A portion of the higher number is more awareness,” Mr Beatty said. “People will call us now if they see mistreatment or neglect whereas five years ago they might’ve said it’s just an animal.”

The most sickening reports included a cat beheaded on the Gold Coast, a dog stabbed in the neck for being disobedient and a stolen pig tied to a quad bike and dragged along the road until it died.

A pelican shot with a bow and arrow after being rescued from Lake Tinaroo. Photo supplied.

Mr Beatty said cases in which dogs, cats, horses and birds such as curlews, ibises and crows were shot or speared were also common.

For the fourth year running, Caboolture topped the list with 238 complaints, while nearby Morayfield (182) and Deception Bay (148) also made the top five.

RSPCA Cruelty hotspots FOR 2014

A spokeswoman for Moreton Bay Regional Council, which comprises all three communities, said the council worked closely with the RSPCA when tackling incidences of cruelty or neglect.

“Councils are primarily responsible for animal management and registration and our officers take a strong interest in animal welfare,” she said.

The State Government increased the maximum jail sentences for serious animal cruelty convictions from three years to seven last year after a man convicted of killing an alpaca at a Caboolture school received no jail time.

RSPCA Cruelty hotspots FOR 2014

“If there’s another case as bad as that, that means previous precedents go out the window,” Mr Beatty said.