RSPCA Victoria has released a map showing how local government areas rank for animal cruelty over the past two financial years.
Strathbogie Shire Council has been ranked second worst in the state for cruelty reports per capita.
Pyrenees takes out the title of worst per capita for cruelty reports.
Geelong and Casey have the highest overall number of reports received for the second year running.
The most common cruelty is neglect, with it making up 46 per cent of the reported cases.
Neglect constitutes a lack of food, water, shelter or veterinary care. Other types of neglect include poor husbandry, lack of appropriate hygiene and insufficient grooming, shearing and farriery for horses.
Pets need regular veterinary checks and prompt vet care if unwell or injured, regular grooming for some breeds of dogs and cats, and dental checks and farrier visits for horses.
The RSPCA says if you are struggling to care for your animals it is important to reach out for help by speaking with your vet about your options, and contact your local animal shelter or RSPCA Victoria and consider surrendering your pet to an animal shelter so it can receive proper care and be re-homed.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said by raising awareness of the most prevalent types of animal cruelty, the community could work together to do better for the state’s animals.
“If you are the owner or person in charge of an animal you have legal and moral obligations to that animal,” he said.
If you are concerned about animal cruelty report it to RSPCA Victoria by phoning (03) 9224 2222 or go to www.rspcavic.org to make an online report.