RSPCA Victoria’s annual Animal Cruelty Report has shown a huge jump in animal seizures and surrenders on the Mornington Peninsula in the last 12 months, placing it as the third worst Local Government Area in Victoria.
While data from 2024/25 had animals seized or surrendered at 22, data from the 2025/26 financial year shows a 468 per cent jump to 103 animals seized or surrendered. Only the LGAs of Casey and Melton had higher numbers.
A considerable number of the seizures can be attributed to a single property on Moorooduc Hwy in Mt Eliza which has been the source of long-running animal safety concerns. Thirty-five horses were seized in a single RSPCA operation in September last year, and it is believed inspectors have seized other animals from the property (RSPCA seizes 35 horses in major operation at Mt Eliza property, The News 30/9/26).
The News asked how many animals had been seized from the property in question, but the RSPCA declined to provide an exact number, instead providing the response, “The number of animals seized or surrendered from the Mornington Peninsula over the last 12 months were from multiple different properties and different investigations. As some of these investigations are still underway, we’re unable to provide further information”.
In terms of the number of reports of animal cruelty in the 12 months, the Mornington Peninsula had 251, making it the 10th highest LGA for animal cruelty reports out of 79 in the state. That has risen from 13th the previous year.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said this year’s data showed conditions are not improving for Victoria’s animals.
“Despite the number of cruelty reports reducing, we’ve seen a nearly 19% increase in the number of animals seized by or surrendered to our Inspectorate, including an 80% increase in the number of reports related to hoarding compared to two years ago,” said Green.
“Many of Victoria’s pet owners are facing financial hardship and mental health challenges, as well as drought in some areas, and this has directly affected their pets.
“Our inspectors are spending more time working with rural animal owners, especially horse owners, with a more than 10% increase in horses seized or surrendered this year including a significant number of thoroughbreds.”
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/who-to-call or by calling 03 9224 2222.
First published in the Mornington News – 4 August 2026
