By Laura Michell
Cat owners are being urged to keep their feline friends indoors after the RSPCA received several reports of cats being hurt and beaten in Melbourne’s north-western suburbs.
Two severe cases of abuse towards cats were reported to the RSPCA during June.
In the first incident, a grey male domestic cat was found by its owner in Broadmeadows with a fractured leg, tail pull injury and burns to its skin on June 6.
A male ginger cat was found in Hadfield on June 13 with a zip tie and rubber band around the base of his tail, leaving him unable to move his tale. The cat had been missing for over a week.
RSPCA inspectors are investigating both cases and are appealing for public information to bring the offender/s to account.
The cases follow the discovery of a cat in Ferntree Gully last month which had its legs cable tied together.
RSPCA Victoria inspectorate team leader Karen Collier said it was advisable for cat owners to keep their pet indoors given the increase in intentional cruelty towards cats.
She said the RSPCA had seen an increase in intentional abuse cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve seen a number of truly shocking acts of intentional cruelty towards cats and other animals over the past few months. No animal deserves to be treated like this,” Ms Collier said.
“RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate is working hard to investigate and prosecute the individuals who have committed these offences, but we need those who have information to come forward and make a report.
“It’s a sad reality that these acts of intentional cruelty occur, so we are urging Victorian cat owners to keep their cats safely in their home to prevent them become the next victim of abuse.”
Anyone with information about the latest incidents is encouraged to call 9224 2222 or to make a report via rspcavic.org
