by Alana Schetzer
The ice epidemic is claiming a new type of victim, with an animal welfare group reporting a spike in the number of animals abused or killed by their drug-addled owners.
RSPCA statistics reveal reports of cruelty against animals has soared in the past 12 months, with reports jumping 15,568 to 17,995.
RSPCA Victoria inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert told Fairfax Media some of the most brutal cases reported involved animals being stabbed by owners 'high' on the drug.
"We're starting to see that irrational behaviour of people who are drug-affected is resulting in some much more vicious attacks on animals."
She said they received "frightening" reports every fortnight of drug-affected owners abusing their animals.
``We'll have to take animals out of the situation."
Recent cases had included an ice-fuelled man who killed his ex-girlfriend's rabbit by smashing it against a wall and repeatedly running over it with his car. He was jailed for the crime.
Overall, the rates of animal abuse cases reported across Victoria skyrocketed in the past year, with numbers of abandoned or abused animals, pets left in hot vehicles or left without adequate food and water, jumping in the year ending June 20, 2014.
Compared to the previous 12 months, reports of abandoned animals jumped from 736 to 1364; abused animals went from 1116 to 1211 and lack of food and water jumped from 4654 to 5205.
One of the biggest increases in complaints was in the treatment of farm animals. Reports shot up from 1404 in 2012-13, to 2453 last financial year.
Reports fell of animals being tormented, unsecured dogs in moving vehicles, overcrowding and dog fighting.
Amy Amato from Wildlife Victoria said 274 cases of cruelty against animals including kangaroos, ducks, possums and rainbow lorikeets were made in 2013-14.
A series of high-profile animal cruelty cases may have prompted more people to report incidents than in previous years, Ms Jalbert said. "It's heartbreaking for our emergency response operators and volunteers who have to deal with these cases of such despicable cruelty."
In August this year, a man who had already been banned from owning poultry was found guilty of owning and grooming poultry for cockfighting. He was ordered to perform 240 hours of community service and banned for a further 10 years from owning birds.
Ms Jalbert said the organisation had increased its call-centre capacity, which can now accept cruelty reports 24 hours.
"People also have smartphones in their hands and people can record things. They're using technology to help support their allegations and they feel more confident to report things," she said.
Under state laws, offenders can be banned from owning or caring for an animal for up to 10 years.
See more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/d...rming-numbers-says-rspca-20141212-1254vx.html
The ice epidemic is claiming a new type of victim, with an animal welfare group reporting a spike in the number of animals abused or killed by their drug-addled owners.
RSPCA statistics reveal reports of cruelty against animals has soared in the past 12 months, with reports jumping 15,568 to 17,995.
RSPCA Victoria inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert told Fairfax Media some of the most brutal cases reported involved animals being stabbed by owners 'high' on the drug.
"We're starting to see that irrational behaviour of people who are drug-affected is resulting in some much more vicious attacks on animals."
She said they received "frightening" reports every fortnight of drug-affected owners abusing their animals.
``We'll have to take animals out of the situation."
Recent cases had included an ice-fuelled man who killed his ex-girlfriend's rabbit by smashing it against a wall and repeatedly running over it with his car. He was jailed for the crime.
Overall, the rates of animal abuse cases reported across Victoria skyrocketed in the past year, with numbers of abandoned or abused animals, pets left in hot vehicles or left without adequate food and water, jumping in the year ending June 20, 2014.
Compared to the previous 12 months, reports of abandoned animals jumped from 736 to 1364; abused animals went from 1116 to 1211 and lack of food and water jumped from 4654 to 5205.
One of the biggest increases in complaints was in the treatment of farm animals. Reports shot up from 1404 in 2012-13, to 2453 last financial year.
Reports fell of animals being tormented, unsecured dogs in moving vehicles, overcrowding and dog fighting.
Amy Amato from Wildlife Victoria said 274 cases of cruelty against animals including kangaroos, ducks, possums and rainbow lorikeets were made in 2013-14.
A series of high-profile animal cruelty cases may have prompted more people to report incidents than in previous years, Ms Jalbert said. "It's heartbreaking for our emergency response operators and volunteers who have to deal with these cases of such despicable cruelty."
In August this year, a man who had already been banned from owning poultry was found guilty of owning and grooming poultry for cockfighting. He was ordered to perform 240 hours of community service and banned for a further 10 years from owning birds.
Ms Jalbert said the organisation had increased its call-centre capacity, which can now accept cruelty reports 24 hours.
"People also have smartphones in their hands and people can record things. They're using technology to help support their allegations and they feel more confident to report things," she said.
Under state laws, offenders can be banned from owning or caring for an animal for up to 10 years.
See more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/d...rming-numbers-says-rspca-20141212-1254vx.html
