Caboolture cruelty figures reveal community action

Every year since 2009 this suburb has recorded the highest number of animal cruelty cases in the state. But behind the shocking figure lies a reason that gives the RSPCA hope.

RSPCA figures show Caboolture has now had the highest animal cruelty rate every year in Queensland for a decade but the region’s animal cruelty inspector says it has a lot to do with an unexpected reason.

Since 2009 Caboolture has recorded more than 150 cases of animal cruelty each year, with 2016 the worst at 269 cases.

RSCPA Queensland says animal cruelty complaints are rising

In 2009 there were 163 reported incidents. Ten years later the figure in 2019 was 221.

RSPCA Metro Inspector Ruth Deeks said while the number of cases was tragic, the rise had a lot to do with better reporting by the community.

“The standard people expect is a lot higher and that is why we are seeing more cases come to our attention,” Ms Deeks said.

“People are a lot closer to their neighbours and a lot of our complaints come from neighbours of offenders who unfortunately, or fortunately for the animals, are reporting them.”

She said increased reporting had led to greater provision of education to community about caring for animals and long-term responsibilities.

“Community are becoming very conscious of the issue, they are taking videos and photos and reporting to us,” Ms Deeks said.

“We do encourage people to safely gather evidence. I have one case that is proceeding to court because people had written down evidence for months.”

She said it was still the case that some people in community hesitated to report animal cruelty.

“Often when I contact other neighbours they will say they heard stuff or had seen stuff but didn’t want to report it because they were concerned about repercussions,” Ms Deeks said.

“People do get worried about their anonymity but we are not allowed to give out their information.”

RSPCA Metro Inspector Ruth Deeks with critically ill “Gracie” rescued from a puppy farm. Photo supplied RSPCA.

She said the types of cruelty inflicted on animals varied greatly with tragically a high instance of dog beatings still occurring in Caboolture.

She said creating fear in an animal was also an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act.

“People often don’t realise we can enforce this. People generally say I yell at my dog but if a dog is being yelled at and screamed at for their whole life that is an offence under the Act,” Ms Deeks said.

Ms Deeks said the RSPCA was keen to work with community to set up more education in the region so “we can move forward on some of these issues.”

“We still get a lot of tethering issues. It’s not okay to have your dog outside on a tether guarding your house anymore,” she said.

“The majority of people just need to be educated and to know it is an offence against the Act and just how dangerous it can be for an animal if it gets tied up, entangled or if they jump the fence.”

She urged community to continue reporting their concerns to the RSPCA.

“In general I think that people in the community are trying to do their best and there are a lot of people who are good willed and they just need help,” Ms Deeks said.

She urged people to contact the RSPCA if they were experiencing difficulties caring for their animals.

“The RSPCA are here to solve those things so reach out so we can do what we do,” she said.

In 2019, the RSPCA received a total of 18,692 complaints from across Queensland, almost eight hundred more than the previous year.

335 cases went before the courts with charges laid under the Animal Care and Protection Act.

TYPE OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED

The top cruelty complaints received included the following issues:

•animals with insufficient food and water

•poor living conditions

•animals being tethered and not receiving exercise

•abandonment

•injuries not being treated

•animals looking in poor condition.

RSPCA CASES REPORTED FOR CABOOLTURE REGION 2009-2019

2009 163

2010 187

2011 183

2012 182

2013 237

2014 238

2015 267

2017 220

2018 238

2019 221