Thirty-three animals were seized across Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong last financial year, new data from RSPCA Victoria reveals.
According to the RSPCA, 2250 animals were seized of surrendered to the RSPCA in 2023-24 statewide. In Hobsons Bay, 24 animals were seized or surrendered, while nine were handed over in Maribyrnong.
The animal welfare organisation said cost-of-living pressures were driving up surrender rates as owners were finding they were no longer able to afford veterinary care or the costs of providing for their pets.
Acting chief inspector Michelle Green said the inspectorate team was helping struggling pet owners more than ever before.
“It’s an increasingly challenging environment out there following the pressures of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis is only compounding this,“ she said.
“The majority of what our RSPCA inspectors are seeing first-hand is just how much people in the community are struggling, and when people are struggling their pets are often affected.
“The majority of the animal cruelty we see is actually neglect as a result of people’s circumstances changing beyond their control, such as hospitalisation, financial pressures, or sudden joblessness, while other animals suffered due to owners simply not understanding how to care for their pets adequately.
“When they can, our inspectors are offering help through emergency pet food to struggling households and other support such as the provision of donated kennels or bedding for pets and providing preventative flea and worming treatments.“
The RSPCA urged struggling owners to reach out for help before their pet is suffering.
