Twenty six cats were dumped in two days and left to die in hot conditions with the RSPCA urging the public to be more responsible.
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Warrnambool RSPCA shelter supervisor Tracey Patterson said staff left work to find the felines crammed into two cat carriers outside. “They fitted 15 cats and kittens into two carry cages,” she said. “They were really unwell. It's quite horrible when you’re walking out of work to see that.”
At the same time the next day, there was a plastic tub containing an adult cat and kittens, some of which had escaped after struggling to breathe.
“We don’t know how long they were sitting outside before we left work, especially in 26 degree weather that we’ve got at the moment. Particularly in a plastic tub they can die in that time.”
She appealed to anyone wanting to surrender animals to see the staff who were there to help, so they could get some history. “Bring them in, we’d much rather people bring them in to us than dump them.
“If they’d come in in opening hours we would have sent them to a vet straight away because they were very unwell. They’re all in isolation now and having medication and doing really well now.”
Mrs Patterson said the shelter was at capacity and they had already transferred 15 cats to another shelter prior to last week’s dumpings, due to the influx.
“We were already at capacity which is why we transferred the 15 (cats) and then we got another 15 that day.”
She said there was no excuse for people having unwanted kittens. “People need to get them desexed,” she said. “It’s as simple as that. People who aren’t desexing are really contributing to the issue. Cats can have a lot of litters in a year.”
Mrs Patterson said it was traditionally a busy time for the shelter. “This is the kitten season. Last year wasn’t a bad season but the couple before that were really terrible. This one is shaping up to be a big one and statewide, not just us.”
Due to the high number of cats requiring care and adoption, RSPCA Victoria facilities, including Petbarn stores, are offering free adult cat adoption until January 31.
Anyone wanting to give a feline a forever home is encouraged to visit the shelter.
“Come and adopt and help us get them into new homes,” she said. “New year new homes. It’s school holidays so it’s the perfect opportunity for people to come in with kids and have a look at them and bring one home.”
