RSPCA Victoria has rescued 131 animals in just one week, following multiple large-scale animal cruelty operations across the state.
The recent surge in cases comes as drought conditions and cost-of-living pressures continue to affect animal owners.
The largest and most complex case involved nearly 200 horses on a property in Towong Shire.
Five RSPCA Inspectors attended the site and assessed the condition of the horses, with nearly 60 surrendered over several days.
The operation required significant coordination, with specialist horse handlers, transport logistics, holding yards and agistment properties engaged to support the removal.
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Legal notices were issued under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986), and investigations remain ongoing.
In the past 12 months, RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate has received more than 1,197 cruelty reports relating to horses – a 32 per cent increase on the previous year.
In separate incidents, 60 dogs were seized and surrendered from nine locations, including Kelpies, Border Collies, Bichon Frises and Labradors.
Nearly 30 dogs, including newborn puppies just days old, were surrendered from one property near Geelong.
One dog gave birth to six puppies within hours of arriving at the shelter.
In total, Inspectors brought 58 horses, 52 dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat, 8 kittens, 3 goats and 1 duck into care last week.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the widespread scale of cruelty was concerning.
“Our Inspectors conduct large-scale investigations and seizures on a regular basis; however, it’s unusual to have so many large groups of animals arriving in our care in such poor condition in a single week,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“Many of the animals the Inspectors saw were significantly underweight, suffering from malnutrition, had not been provided necessary veterinary care, and in many cases were in squalid living conditions.
“In particular, many of the dogs arrived at our shelter covered in faeces, with matted fur and severely underweight, and our shelter and veterinary teams have done an amazing job accommodating all the animals coming into our care.
“I would like to commend our Inspectors for their commitment and resilience shown through these investigations; their work is invaluable to ending animal cruelty across the state.
“It took time for these animals to get into such poor condition, and many will now require weeks, if not months, of rehabilitation, specialised veterinary care, and a whole lot of love to help them recover from the cruelty and neglect they have suffered.
“The rehabilitation and care of these animals is only possible thanks to incredibly generous donations from the Victorian community, and we thank each and every donor for their support.
“It’s clear some people are struggling to provide the basics for their animals, and we urge people not to wait until they are suffering like this before seeking assistance from us, local vets or their local council.”
RSPCA Victoria is encouraging the public to report suspected cruelty.
For emergencies or animals at risk of death, Victoria Police should be contacted immediately.
Inspectorate animal care costs are forecast to reach $5 million this financial year, funded entirely by community donations.
To make a cruelty report or donate, visit rspcavic.org.
