RSPCA shelter supervisor Tracey Scott is nursing back to health some of the puppies and kittens recently found dumped in Framlingham Forest.
FRAMLINGHAM Forest is becoming a dumping ground for unwanted pets with seven starving puppies and three kittens rescued from a cruel death in the past week.
According to the Warrnambool RSPCA branch, dumped pets are found wandering in the forest at least once a month.
“It’s disturbing,” said animal shelter manager Tracey Scott.
“This last lot was quite little and had obviously been left there to die, but were found on Friday by some fishermen. The animals were quite thin and had wormy bellies.
“We are nursing them back to health. Hopefully they will find caring homes.”
RSPCA inspector Jason Nichols said there were heavy penalties for animal dumpers with a maximum $14,000 fine for each offence or a year in prison.
“There’s always a percentage of people who choose the lazy way out and dump pets,” he said.
“In my view that’s cowardice. They don’t want to take the responsibility of looking after animals or getting rid of them properly.
“Young animals that are dumped usually die of exposure, malnutrition or thirst or are preyed on by other animals.”
Mr Nichols and Ms Scott urged members of the public who had information on animal dumpers to contact the RSPCA, police or council bylaws officers.