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Tuesday 4 August 2026
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Dog park opening DOGS Victoria will open the entirety of its 74-acre dog park in Skye to the public for the first time since it was bought in the early 1980s, as part of a $12m upgrade to be delivered over the next decade. Only about half the property has been used since the purchase, with access previously restricted to Dogs Victoria members, under conditions tied to the organisation’s planning permit with Frankston City Council. Chief Executive of Dogs Victoria, Kirk Edwards (pictured left), said community membership would likely be charged as an annual fee, working out to roughly $3 to $4 a week, though final costings had not yet been set. See story page 3. Picture: Gary Sissons, above Supplied
Animal cruelty cases rise in Frankston Cameron McCullough cameron@baysidenews.com.au RSPCA Victoria’s annual Animal Cruelty Report has shown a rise in animal seizures and surrenders in the Frankston Local Government Area during the last financial year. While data from 2024/25 had animals seized or surrendered at 30, data from the 2025/26 financial year shows
a 36 per cent jump to 41 animals seized or surrendered. In terms of the number of reports of animal cruelty in the 12 months, Frankston had 239, making it the 12th highest LGA for animal cruelty reports out of 79 in the state; a decrease from ninth the previous year. Neighbouring Mornington Peninsula LGA fared much worse with 103 animals seized or surrendered, up from 22
the previous year. Much of that rise can be attributed to a single property on Moorooduc Hwy in Mt Eliza, accounting for at least 35 animal seizures. 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.
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