Cruelty rates too high
CONCERNING data has revealed Toowoomba is one of the state’s highest offending suburbs for animal welfare and cruelty complaints, as well as the number of people in the region who have been charged in the past 12 months.
The statistics which were released by RSPCA revealed Toowoomba and Warwick sat within the state’s top 25 suburbs for animal cruelty and welfare complaints.
While numbers were similar to those recorded in the region in 2020, they remained high.
RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said the results showed more work needed to be done and through community outreach programs, RSPCA would aim to address the root causes of animal welfare issues.
“We’ve seen a large number of animal welfare reports in 2021 for the Darling Downs region, but it’s also an area with multiple suburbs like Toowoomba receiving 83 complaints, Warwick 68, and Dalby 45,”
“Toowoomba and Warwick sit within the top 25 suburbs across Queensland receiving over 50 animal welfare complaints.”
Additionally, eight people across the region were charged for animal welfare related offences last year.
Reasons for complaints varied but included inappropriate living conditions, animals not receiving enough food or exercise, being confined due to tethering, not receiving veterinary treatment, animal abandonment and cruelty.
“We are hopeful that any increases in complaints also correspond with people knowing to get in touch with the RSPCA if they have a welfare concern so we can investigate and help pet owners and their animals,” Ms Lagoon said.
“It’s really important that pet owners are being mindful in hot weather as well to ensure their animals have access to lots of water and shade and aren’t left tethered, or left in hot vehicles.”
Statewide, RSPCA Queensland inspectors responded to 16,331 complaints and more than 1600 suburbs received at least one complaint last year.
If you have an animal welfare concern or would like to make a complaint, phone 1300 264 625 or email cruelty_complaints@rspcaqld.org.au.