Stop Animal Cruelty Now!

The images used in the appeal are actual cases of animal cruelty in our state reported to RSPCA Victoria. They are shocking, and we know they are very difficult to look at.

The truth is that animal cruelty is a reality throughout Victoria and some people may not be aware of this.

We believe that in showing what our Inspectors must deal with on a daily basis it will make our request for support very real.

Sadly, not all of these animals survived. This is the harsh reality and they are the very reason that we have launched this appeal to stop the horror of animal cruelty in Victoria. In order to do this, we need to ask for your help.

Thankfully some of the animals do survive. Skittles, the beautiful dog with one eye, survived his gunshot wound and being abandoned in bushes for three days. Thanks to our adoption program he now lives with a loving family.

Undoubtedly the appeal will be upsetting for children and adults alike

If the material affected you, this could be an opportunity to talk with your children about animal cruelty and how animal cruelty is never okay. If a child is ever worried or sees animals being hurt or in distress they can alert an adult to what has happened and RSPCA Victoria is here to help.

Animal cruelty is a crime. No one wants to see an animal suffer when something can be done. By writing to as many households as we can in Victoria and asking for a small donation, we can make a significant difference to the lives of so many more neglected and suffering animals.

RSPCA Victoria has a loyal group of caring and generous donors, however, demands on our services continue to grow. We need to find more people who care and wish to donate so we can ensure we’re able to save as many animals as possible. We already do this every single day, and with the generous support of people like you, we will be able to reach more animals.

We are appealing so we can raise funds to do more for suffering animals across Victoria. Currently, 74% of every dollar raised is allocated to rescuing, rehabilitating, rehoming animals and prevention activities. Our fundraising costs are 9%, with less than 5% government funding, this is essential to ensure we can keep our doors open to animals in need. Administration and accountability is 11% of our expenditure, which allows us to deliver our work responsibly, effectively and efficiently. Finally, 6% is spent on commercial work such as supporting councils by providing animal welfare services and the small retail spaces we have at some locations which are run at surplus to further fund animal welfare work.

There is still a lot to be done. Stopping animal cruelty takes the dedication and expertise of a wide range of people and resources.

It’s a big job, but with the help our supporters, we will put all the pieces together to make sure animals’ lives are saved.

If you witness an act of animal cruelty, we encourage people to call RSPCA Victoria on 03 9224 2222 or complete your report online here.

RSPCA Victoria relies on members of the community to report acts of animal cruelty and neglect.

RSPCA Victoria has seven Animal Care Centres across the state for sheltering and adoption. Selected locations offer veterinary services, grooming and retail- please visit our our website for more information and operating hours.

- RSPCA Bendigo
- RSPCA Burwood East
- Epping Animal Welfare Facility
- RSPCA Peninsula
- RSPCA Portland
- RSPCA Wangaratta
- RSPCA Warrnambool

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, independent charity.

We rely on donations and community support to generate more than 95% of the funds required to carry out our work protecting animals from cruelty and neglect.

Each year we receive a grant from the State Government which is funding tied specifically to Inspectorate activities and also addressing illegal intensive breeding facilities (puppy and kitten factories). This grant covers less than half of the annual costs to mobilise our Inspectorate team, and less than 5% of total costs.

Sadly, we know that there are many more animals across Victoria that are suffering and that despite all our work, animal offences in Victoria have doubled in the last 10 years! And even though we’re the best at what we do, right now, we’re stretched to our limit. We simply don’t have enough people or equipment to rescue and care for every animal who needs us.

Individuals found guilty of cruelty face a maximum penalty of $39,642.50 or 12 months’ imprisonment. Those individuals found guilty of aggravated cruelty face a maximum penalty of $79,285 or 24 months’ imprisonment. Aggravated cruelty is defined in the Act as cruelty which results in the death or serious disablement of the animal. The court may also disqualify the person from owning or being in charge of an animal permanently.

Stray animals fall under the responsibility of your local shire. If you find a healthy and uninjured stray, please contact your local shire ranger services.

If you witness an act of animal cruelty, we encourage people to call us on 03 9224 2222 or complete a report online online here.

RSPCA Victoria relies on members of the community to report acts of animal cruelty and neglect.