Yahoo Lifestyle Man accused of horrific act to pet cat
WARNING: Disturbing content
A Western Australian man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly confining a cat inside an Esky, which likely led to the animal’s death.
Shortly before 5pm on March 29, 2023, a call was made to the City of Nedlands ranger in Perth’s inner western suburbs to collect a cat that had been captured earlier that day but had since died.
According to the ranger, the man said the cat was likely a feral stray and he placed it inside an Esky about 7am.
The man said he removed the drain hole in the Esky to allow air flow for the cat, though he did not provide the cat any water.
It’s understood the cat was inside the Esky for about eight hours before it died.
After the ranger scanned the cat’s microchip, it was confirmed the animal was not a feral stray but a person’s pet and called the owners to advise them.
When asked why he put the cat inside the Esky, the man told the ranger he was worried it was going to scratch him or his children.
According to the man, the cat appeared aggressive and was disturbing his rabbits.
The cat was transported to Swanbourne Veterinary Hospital and surrendered to the RSPCA WA at the request of his owners.
A vet said the cat likely died due to suffering from hypoxia and hypercapnia, meaning there wasn’t enough oxygen in the cat’s bloodstream.
This was likely exacerbated by the increased humidity from water vapour, the vet said.
“Stress and fear would have increased metabolism, heat and carbon dioxide production as well as increase oxygen requirements,” an RSPCA WA statement said.
A 38-year-old Floreat man has since been charged with animal cruelty. RSPCA WA will allege the cat was confined in a manner that was likely to cause it unnecessary harm.
The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison in convicted.
He will face Perth Magistrates Court on January 24.
