Frankston animal cruelty cases spike, lands in top 10 worst hit regions as RSPCA records 10,500 plus complaints
The number of injured, malnourished and mistreated animals in Frankston has jumped in the past financial year, with dogs, cats and horses the worst-hit at the hands of callous crims. And the region has scored a dubious honour.
South East
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More animals in the City of Frankston have been hurt as the region’s count of callous acts of cruelty climbs.
A tragic total of 338 cases of cruelty in Frankston were reported to the RSPCA in the 2019-20 financial year — a jump of 23 cases compared to previous financial before.
The chilling statistics saw Frankston jump from the 10th worst-hit government area in the state to sixth — behind Casey which recorded the most at 581 cases and Greater Geelong which saw the second highest (561).
Welfare concerns for dogs, cats and horses made up the majority of the 10,700 plus cruelty reports made across the state, with more than 6000 concerns about animals with insufficient food, water and shelter and more than 3800 worries about hygiene, grooming and housing conditions.
There were also reports of underweight animals (2862), sick and injured animals not receiving veterinary treatment (3274) and animals being beaten or wounded (1467).
The damning data followed dozens of shock stories covered by the Leader including instances of beatings, dirty pet shops and cruel greyhounds trainers.
In June, vets were shocked when a kitten that was left with two broken legs and faced a possible amputation following a suspected animal cruelty attack in Carrum Downs.
In February, a convicted child sex offender and his wife who ran a dirty, crowded and faeces-filled pet shop were slapped with a $40,000 fine and banned from owning animal stores for a decade.
In September, a shocked Seaford man stepped up to help when a skeletal thin dog began to rummage through his front yard.
And in July 2018, a greyhound breeder who was banned after leaving five dogs to die with no food or vet care in Carrum Downs.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker said the group issued 492 notices to comply and laid 120 charges against 44 people.
“I am disheartened to see the overwhelming issue continues to be neglect, indicating many animals in Victoria are not receiving the most basic standard of care, such as sufficient food, water and shelter.
“Without the caring Victorians who take animal welfare seriously and make the time to report cruelty to our Inspectorate, many animals in need would go without the care and attention they deserve.
“There is no shame in asking for support so we also encourage people to seek advice or assistance if they have concerns about properly caring for their animals.”
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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