RSPCA receives almost 1000 animal cruelty complaints in Townsville in 2019
More than 900 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect were reported to the RSPCA in Townsville last year.
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More than 900 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect were reported to the RSPCA in Townsville last year.
Kirwan topped the list with the most complaints lodged with the animal welfare organisation.
One-hundred and eight calls were received by the RSPCA for the Townsville suburb followed by Kelso and Garbutt.
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Figures reveal that overall in Queensland, 18,692 complaints were registered with the RSPCA, up by almost 800 from 2018. Although complaints had increased statewide, complaints in Townsville saw a slight decrease from 954 in 2018 to 936 in 2019.
RSPCA regional inspector Trish Prendergast said the top three complaints were failure to provide water, food and shelter, animals being tethered and skinny animals.
Ms Prendergast said owners had a duty to provide care.
“A lot of people will call up saying they can’t see if the dog has any water or food and of course with our hot climate, a dog without water can be fatal. But it is not just dogs, all types of animals need water,” she said. “Animals being tethered on a chain can become entangled or stuck out in the sun without access to water and it can be fatal.”
Originally published as RSPCA receives almost 1000 animal cruelty complaints in Townsville in 2019