Lockdown linked to rise in animal cruelty

Victoria has recorded a jump in animal cruelty cases during the state’s long lockdowns, with dogs suffering the worst abuse.

Victoria’s repeated lockdowns has led to a spike in reports of animal cruelty, according to new RSPCA data.

Reports of deliberate animal cruelty rose by 13 per cent over 2020/21, with RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate forced to respond to almost 11,000 cruelty complaints.

Dogs and puppies continue to be subjected to the most cruelty – accounting for 6800 of all reports – while 1916 reports involved cats and kittens.

Aout 1600 animals were seized and surrendered to RSPCA shelters, representing an increase of six per cent to the previous year.

Dogs and puppies have been subjected to the most cases of cruelty in Victoria.

RSPCA Victoria’s chief inspector Michael Stagg said the correlation between lockdowns and an increase in reports of animal beating and wounding was a “really concerning” trend.

“Covid has created a significant amount of pressure on people. When there is financial stress, mental health or drug and alcohol issues, animal cruelty and neglect tends to increase,” he said.

“It is also possible that reports have increased due to people being at home for longer periods.”

Mr Stagg said while reports of animals having inadequate food, water or shelter had dropped over the past year, it still made up for about half of all reports.

Poor hygiene, insufficient grooming and housing were also key contributors to cruelty.

“These reports illustrate that neglect is still our number one issue in Victoria,” Mr Stagg added.