Two kittens have been found alive and well at the Materials Recovery Facility in Hume after being dumped in a kerbside recycling bin in Canberra, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, said today.
“Staff at the Materials Recovery Facility spotted the kittens inside a box yesterday afternoon as it was making its way through the recycling process. Luckily they were found and removed from the facility before they were seriously hurt or killed,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“It is hard to believe that the two kittens have survived the journey from a kerbside recycling bin all the way to the facility in Hume as all garbage and recycling materials are compressed inside the collection vehicles.
“Despite the distressing journey these kittens have endured, they are both unharmed and are being cared for appropriately. It is horrible to think someone has intentionally put the kittens in their bin. Unwanted cats and kittens may be surrendered to the RSPCA where they can be re-homed to a new family who will love and care for them.
“Acts of violence towards animals, animal neglect and even psychological harm are all forms of animal cruelty. People with information or who have witnessed animal cruelty cases should report it to Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or RSPCA-ACT on 6287 8100.”
Mr Rattenbury reminded the community that pet owners are responsible for the health and wellbeing of their companion animals including ensuring they are desexed and microchipped.
“Desexing your cat is essential in the ACT to reduce the number of neglected and abandoned cats,”
Mr Rattenbury said.
“In the ACT it is compulsory to desex your cat unless it is under three months old, was born prior to June 2001 or you have a special permit.
“In addition to desexing, all cats in the ACT must be microchipped. Microchipping is an effective way for animal shelters and vets to identify lost dogs and cats for quick return to their owners. Cats can be microchipped by the RSPCA or any veterinarian.”
RSPCA ACT Chief Executive Tammy Ven Dange echoed the call for responsible pet ownership.
“Last financial year, we had 335 unwanted puppies and 1159 unwanted kittens enter the Shelter. And at the moment, we are completely full of unwanted kittens and puppies again,” said Ms Ven Dange.
“There’s an easy way to fix this issue by owners getting their pets desexed. Not only will this reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community, it also decreases the risk of future health issues and can help with behavioural problems with their pets too. Our RSPCA ACT vet clinic has payment plans available to suit any budget. So, there really is no good excuse for an owner to allow their pets to have unwanted offspring,” she concluded.
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