A cat that was locked in a bird cage bound with rope and then dumped in a Kurunjang park is now in safe hands and the case is being investigated by the RSPCA.
Animal rescue officers are calling on the community to help find who was responsible for discarding the cat which was found by a nearby resident on Good Friday and surrendered to an animal welfare rescuer in Melton.
The cat has since been transferred to the RSPCA’s Burwood shelter.
Nathan Miles, of Western Suburbs Cat and Kitten Rescue, said the community’s help was needed in what he described as a case of “cruel abandonment and neglect”.
“It is our understanding this poor cat was stuck in the cage all day in the hot sun,” Mr Miles said. “Luckily a kind resident found the cage at the back of her fence.
“The resident brought the cage with the cat to her house and then called us for assistance.”
Mr Miles urged residents to spread the word on social media to help with the investigation.
“As this is a cruelty case … the RSPCA is fully investigating and utilising all their resources to identify and potentially prosecute the alleged perpetrator of this animal abuse,” he said.
“We are calling on any residents who may have security cameras who border the reserve between Centenary Avenue, Tulloch Avenue, Manning Avenue, Pennyroyal Crescent, Walsingham Crescent, Narebar Court, Gunnawarra Road and Warianna Court in Kurunjang to please check their security cameras.”
Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA quoting reference number 340469.