SICKENING figures released by the RSPCA reveal about 20 pets were beaten or maliciously wounded in Whitehorse in the past year.

Over 12 months to the end of June there were 178 reports of animal cruelty in Whitehorse, or almost one every two days.

Most related to dogs — 132 — with 32 cases involving cats or kittens.

One of the cases RSPCA inspectors responded to in Whitehorse involved a Samoyed, living in an apartment complex in Box Hill, which was being hit with force repeatedly in the head and roughly handled.

The dog was seized and the accused admitted hitting the dog, claiming they were training it. The case was heard at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court. The accused pleaded guilty and was given a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction and instructed to complete a dog obedience training course.

RSPCA Victoria chief executive Liz Walker said most cases fell under three categories — ignorance, incapacity and apathy — where people either didn’t know how to care for their pets, were unable to because of illness or family reasons, or simply knew how but couldn’t be bothered.

She said in most of those cases it was about educating animal owners.

“Whether it’s asking family or friends for support, seeking assistance from animal welfare groups, or surrendering animals to be rehomed, we would strongly encourage owners who aren’t keeping up with the basics to seek help to care for their animals,” she said.

But the other two categories were more worrying — the commercialisation of animals such as illegal dog fighting and puppy factories to malicious acts.

“There are some people who take some sort of perverse pleasure in injuring or tormenting animals,’’ Ms Walker said.

Also in Whitehorse, there were 63 reports of animals with insufficient food, water or shelter; 72 concerns about hygiene, grooming and housing; 27 reports of underweight animals; 30 issues involving sick or injured animals not receiving vet treatment; and 24 abandoned animals.

This comes as the Eastern Domestic Violence Service launched A Place for Indi, a program to help rehome pets which had become victims of domestic violence.

According to the service, research showed 53 per cent of women in violent relationships who had pets or animals reported their pets had also been abused or threatened.

Executive director Jenny Jackson said: “Safely fleeing family violence takes careful planning with many considerations coming into play; the welfare of the family’s four-legged friends often being at the forefront of women’s minds.”