The RSPCA Victoria has confirmed it received multiple animal cruelty reports over several months regarding horses at properties in the Macedon Ranges and Mitchell Shire council areas, many of which referenced social media posts.

In a statement released in recent weeks the RSPCA said: “We appreciate the community’s concern, and can assure those who are worried, our Inspectorate has active investigations into these matters and have attended the properties reported more than 20 times over the last few months and will continue to do so based on animal welfare needs”.

The RSPCA statement also stated:

“This is a complex matter, with multiple animals, properties and multiple different owners now involved.

“RSPCA Inspectors have previously dealt with two primary properties, however with movement of horses this has increased.

“We can confirm any previously reported injured horses have all received appropriate veterinary care.

“Our Inspectors will continue to attend the sites and monitor the wellbeing of the horses ensuring those responsible for their care comply with their legal obligations to provide food, water and vet care.

As we receive new reports with any new information, we will continue to investigate them; however, it is vital reports are based off eye-witness accounts and not only from what is seen on social media.

While we understand how distressing it can be to see photos of injured and neglected animals on social media, it can be incredibly challenging for our Inspectors to investigate matters when cruelty reports only contain details of what was seen on social media posts.

“These often contain incorrect or out of date information such as inaccurate addresses making it difficult to investigate causing unnecessary delays in an investigation.

“As this is an active investigation, we urge people not to take matters into their own hands as any interference from the public could compromise the outcome, so we ask people to please show restraint.

RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate currently has only 28 Inspectors on the road to investigate more than 10,000 cruelty reports across the state, and as a necessity their work is triaged to ensure the most vulnerable animals are investigated first along with continually monitoring ongoing situations like this.

“RSPCA Victoria Inspectors are the only authorised officers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act who can enforce and prosecute horse welfare in the state and we have received nearly 390 jobs related to horses since December 1, 2024.”

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals with first-hand information was urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.

It’s estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $10.7 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.

This story based on an RSPCA report. Image: Supplied

As the first day of summer approaches, CFA with RSPCA Victoria, is reminding Victorians to consider their pets and livestock in their bushfire survival plan.

While families should always put their own safety ahead of their pets in an emergency, it is important to have bedding, food, and water ready to go for them should a fire cause concern.    

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said during high-risk bushfire days, be sure to keep your bushfire relocation kit for pets within easy reach so you are ready to leave early.

“It can take longer than you think to move your pets, so make sure you can transport them efficiently and have towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect them,” CO Heffernan said.

“Families should consider ahead of time whether their leave-early destination can accommodate pets, otherwise to have an alternative in mind.

“We also recommend microchipping your pets so they can be easily identifiable, with your phone number on their collar.

“On all hot days, especially on Extreme or Catastrophic fire risk days, it is also important that you try to keep your pets as cool as possible.”

CO Heffernan reminds Victorians a separate plan is needed for horses and livestock as late evacuation will put you both at risk.

“It is safest for horses and livestock to be in a large well-grazed and fenced area on your property away from roads where they can move freely with a supply of water.” CO Heffernan said.

“Your plan should identify evacuation routes and which animals you intend to leave behind. You need to act quickly, as moving stock after a fire has started is dangerous.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Prevention Rebecca Cook said planning for potential emergency evacuation and knowing what you need for your pets is vital.

“Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months,” Ms Cook said.

“You should store photos on your phone and email of important documents like registration, microchip numbers, vaccination certificates, medication directions, and your local vet.

“We also recommend you identify pet shelters, establish an emergency guardian, and share your evacuation plan with someone you trust who can evacuate your pets if you’re not home.”

Following the release of the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer this week, Victorians can expect to see increased fire risk in eastern, western and central Victoria this summer and should review their Bushfire Survival Plan for their families and their pets.

For more information and tips on how to keep your pets and livestock safe during high bushfire risk days, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/pets.

Your Pet Bushfire Relocation Kit should include:

• Food and water
• A bowl for each pet
• A second collar and lead
• A carrier for cats and smaller pets
• Bedding and a woollen blanket
• A pet first-aid kit – seek your vet’s advice
• A favourite toy
• Any medications, along with a written list of what they are
• Your pet’s medical history, including proof of vaccination
• Your vet’s contact details.

Tips for keeping pets cool

• Have fresh, cold water available at all times
• Ensure your pet has shade at all times or bring them inside into a cool room
• Wipe your pet down with a cool, damp towel or leave wet towels out for them to lie on
• Wet your dog with cool water several times throughout the day
• Consider buying a wading pool for your dog
• For cats, rub damp hands over their coat or along their tummy
• Place ice blocks in your pet’s water bowl
• Place ice in a pillow case and place it near your pets
• Consider having your dog clipped if their coat is long and thick
• Never leave your pets in a vehicle on a hot day.