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Tragic find inside suitcase dumped in car park on Christmas Day: 'Awful'

Seven kittens have been found dumped inside a suitcase on the outskirts of Adelaide.

The sad discovery was made at a car park in Athelstone shortly after 8am on Christmas Day.

A local came across the suitcase next to Athelstone Recreation Reserve while on his daily walk and went to investigate. Tapping the suitcase he quickly discovered there were kittens inside, four of which are 10 weeks old and three that are three weeks old, the RSPCA said.

“To be zipped up inside a dark, airless suitcase is such an awful thing for any animal to endure,” RSPCA SA Rescue Officer Nalika van Loenen said on Monday.

The suitcase was discovered in the car park on Christmas Day. Source: RSPCA / Google Maps
The suitcase was discovered in the car park on Christmas Day. Source: RSPCA / Google Maps

“Being so young, it’s highly likely these kittens would have perished in yesterday’s heat if not found when they were."

Temperatures reached 32C in Adelaide on Christmas Day.

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“It is both shockingly cruel and unnecessary, when there are humane options to surrender unwanted animals to a reputable animal welfare organisation like RSPCA or find them new homes," Ms van Loenen said.

Four of the kittens found inside the suitcase. Source: RSPCA
Four of the kittens found inside the suitcase. Source: RSPCA

The man who found them took them home before giving them water and calling the RSPCA.

The kittens are expected to make a full recovery.

The incident is now under investigation by RSPCA SA’s inspectorate and anyone with information regarding the kittens can contact RSPCA on 1300477722.

Abandoning an animal is an offence under South Australia’s Animal Welfare Act, and anyone found guilty can face up to 2 years imprisonment or a $20,000 fine.

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