Australia's animal cruelty watchdog says reports of neglect have skyrocketed as drought conditions and the cost-of-living crisis continue to affect pet owners.

RSPCA Victoria seized or accepted the surrender of 1,870 animals in the past 12 months, almost double the number that were received by the state's Inspectorate ten years earlier.

With more than 10,000 reports of animal cruelty in the past year, RSPCA says that while malicious acts still occurred, they "paled in comparison to the impact of the drought and ongoing cost-of-living pressures".

There has been a spike in hoarding, underweight animals and horse cases across the state, according to the RSPCA's 2024-2025 Animal Cruelty Report .

RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michelle Green said, "While it's frustrating to see malicious

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