A Perth man has been charged with animal cruelty after trapping a pet cat inside an esky, which is believed to have resulted in its death. The 38-year-old man from Floreat contacted The City of Nedlands on March 29, 2023, at around 7 a.m., asking for a ranger to collect a cat he had confined, which had died approximately eight hours later.
According to the ranger, the man claimed the cat appeared aggressive, as it had been disturbing his rabbits. He also believed the cat was a stray. Fearing it would scratch him or his children, the man removed the drain hole of the esky to allow airflow and placed the cat inside, but he did not provide any water for it.
Upon arrival, the ranger scanned the cat’s microchip and discovered it had an owner. The dead cat was taken to Swanbourne Veterinary Hospital before being surrendered to RSPCA WA at the owner’s request.
RSPCA WA reported that the cat likely died due to hypoxia and hypercapnia, conditions worsened by the increased humidity from water vapor inside the esky. The organization stated, “Stress and fear would have increased metabolism, heat and carbon dioxide production, as well as increased oxygen requirements.”
The man has been charged with animal cruelty, and the case will be brought before the Perth Magistrates Court on January 24. RSPCA WA alleges that the cat was confined in a manner that caused or likely caused unnecessary harm. The maximum penalty for such offenses is a $50,000 fine and up to five years in prison.
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