Shock discovery inside Australia Post box prompts call for public help
Investigators are working to find out who is responsible for dropping the kitten into a post box.
Heartbreaking footage has been shared showing a kitten found deposited inside an Australia Post box in Queensland.
The shocking discovery was made after a woman heard meowing from inside the Caboolture South post box. The cat's high-pitched squeals can be heard in video shot by rescuers as they worked to get him free.
The RSPCA is pleading for public help, hoping someone witnessed the helpless creature being dumped. If you happened to be in the area, captured dashcam footage of the street, or you’re an armchair detective, you might be able to help.
Here’s what you need to know:
Australia Post serviced the box at 12.30pm on May 25 and the kitten was not inside.
The kitten was discovered at 6.30pm by a passerby.
That means it was likely dumped between 12:30pm and 6:30pm.
The mail box is on the corner of Morayfield Rd and John St in Caboolture South, Queensland.
Investigators from the RSPCA are working with local businesses to determine whether CCTV captured the incident. Anyone with further information is urged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 264 625.
Where is the kitten now?
Kyle Thornton, a 22-year-old local man, was called over by his mother after she heard the cat crying. He called Triple-0, and then his brother waited for Queensland Fire and Rescue to help free the animal.
"It was actually a family effort," Kyle told Yahoo News Australia.
Julia Steley, an RSPCA inspector, said the kitten could have died if it was not discovered in time. Cold evening and hot morning temperatures would have likely been too much for the tiny creature.
“It is deeply concerning that someone could do this. The kitten would have been frightened and uncomfortable,” she said. “Dumping any animal is inhumane. If you need help with an animal, reach out.”
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The kitten has been named Pat after the cartoon postman. While he's now recovering in the care of the RSPCA, he'll soon be ready for release. Kyle told Yahoo he's considering adopting the kitten once he's able to be released.
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