RSPCA Victoria statistics compared the rates from the 2012-13 financial year with the 2013-14 financial year.

The statistics showed reports of animal cruelty had increased by 185 per cent in Yarriambiack, from seven to 20 cases.

Buloke reports have risen by more than 65 per cent.

Reports are also up more than 10 per cent in Horsham Rural City and Northern Grampians Shire.

Horsham had the highest number of reports in the region, with 25 in 2013-14 compared with 22 in 2012-13.

But reports of animal cruelty have halved in West Wimmera and are down by more than 30 per cent in Hindmarsh.

Horsham Rural City ranger Wayne Lane said increasing financial difficulties in the region drove the rise in animal cruelty.

"People are finding it harder financially to look after animals such as dogs and cats,'' he said.

"We or the RSPCA end up with calls about things such as dogs being tied up.

"If you can't afford to look after animals, don't get them. It's a right to have an animal and some people just don't realise that.''

RSPCA Victoria inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert said the state had seen an increase of almost 15 per cent in animal cruelty reports during the past financial year.

She said animal cruelty complaints in the Wimmera usually concerned animal husbandry, along with underweight animals, sick or injured animals not receiving adequate care and a lack of food, water or shelter.

"As the Wimmera experiences quite extreme weather conditions, there is a higher likelihood of underweight animals or animals with insufficient water than in a metropolitan area," she said.

"Similarly, due to the expansive rural environment and number of livestock, husbandry-related complaints for the Wimmera might be proportionally higher than for more dense urban areas."

Ms Jalbert said animal cruelty was unacceptable, regardless of the circumstances.

"Neglect and failure to meet the basic needs of animals will not be tolerated," she said.

It is just as serious as aggravated acts of cruelty against animals."

Horsham planning and economic director Tony Bawden said council monitored premises with animals to try to reduce mistreatment.

"While animal cruelty complaints might not be directed through council, Horsham Rural City's ranger service actively monitors the condition and operation of licensed animal-keeping premises and promptly responds to any concerns brought to its attention," he said.

"We also have a close working relationship with Horsham PAWS in delivering our animal rehousing program, which has been highly successful in recent years."