Melbourne a hotspot for animal cruelty

Reports of animal cruelty across Victoria have risen with Melbourne labelled a hotspot and a target for RSPCA preventative action.

The number of complaints in Victoria rose from 10,780 in 2014/15 to 12,022 in 2015/16 with the highest number in Casey City Council, 566, Geelong, 554, and in Melbourne, where 479 cases were reported.

RSPCA spokeswoman Sophie Buchanan said the density of the population and the high concentration of commercial animal operations, such as pet shops and carriage horses, had contributed to Melbourne's hotspot status.