RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors have rescued a staggering 131 animals in multiple large-scale and complex, animal cruelty operations across the state last week as drought conditions and cost of living continue to hit animal owners.

The largest and most complex operation saw a team of five Inspectors assess nearly 200 horses, culminating in them taking surrender of nearly 60 of the most at-risk, removing them from the Towong Shire property over several days.

The operation was run by RSPCA Victoria Inspectors and required significant coordination and logistics including specialist horse handlers, transport specialists, holding yards and a number of agistment properties.

The Inspectorate issued legal notices under the Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) and the investigation remains ongoing.

RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate received more than 1197 cruelty reports relating to horses over the last 12 months, a 32% increase on the previous year.

60 dogs were also seized and surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors from nine different locations, including popular breeds such as Kelpies, Border Collies, Bichon Frise’s, and Labradors.

Sadly, nearly 30 dogs and several days’ old puppies were surrendered from a single property near Geelong, with one dog giving birth to six puppies within hours of arriving at the shelter.

All counted, Inspectors brought in a total of 58 horses, 52 dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat, 8 kittens, 3 goats, and a duck to RSPCA Victoria’s care in just one week.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the widespread scale of animal 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.”

To find out how to make an animal cruelty report, visit RSPCA Victoria. If an animal is in immediate danger or at risk of death contact Victoria Police.

Inspectorate animal care costs are forecast to be nearly $5 million this financial year and are fully funded by generous donations from the Victorian community. To donate and support this life-saving work visit RSPCA Victoria.