Heartbreaking find outside RSCPA: 'They could have died'
The RSPCA says three cats are lucky to be alive after they were found dumped outside the organisation’s South Australian branch in freezing temperatures.
The Lonsdale shelter’s Animal Care Manager made the heartbreaking discovery as he was heading home at around 9.15pm on Friday.
“Something caught my eye as I drove past the main gate, so I turned around to check,” Stuart Timmins said.
In a “filthy” carrier with no cover over it, or blanket, food or water inside, he found two young cats and a kitten.
With the celsius hovering at 10 degrees and dropping, Mr Timmins warned it could have been a lot worse.
“If not found until the morning, they could easily have died from the cold,” he said.
“It’s just pure luck that I happened to be working late and noticed that carrier in the dark.”
It’s believed the cats are about two-years-old and the kitten nine weeks.
One of the cats is missing an eye but Mr Timmins says none of them have shown signs of aggressive behaviour.
The RSPCA is appealing for anyone with information about the incident to get in touch on 1300 477 722.
In South Australia, abandoning an animal is an offence under the state’s Animal Welfare Act, and anyone one found guilty can face up to two years' imprisonment or a $20,000 fine.
People are being urged not to dump any unwanted animals.
Instead the RSPCA says people with animals they can no longer care for, should either rehome them or surrender them to a reputable organisation, like the RSPCA, during opening hours.
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