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Spike in cruelty to cats in Perth, reports RSPCA

Headshot of Sarah Steger
Sarah StegerThe West Australian
There has been a surge in cruelty to cats in Perth.
Camera IconThere has been a surge in cruelty to cats in Perth. Credit: RSPCA

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES

RSPCA WA has recorded a 30 per cent surge in cruelty to cats and kittens in Perth’s northern suburbs, with steel-jaw traps, paint and a metal spike just some of the tools used in callous attacks reported over the past 12 weeks.

In May a dead cat was found impaled with a thin metal spike in Bassendean, while another needed a toe amputated after coming home with a steel-jaw trap attached to her leg.

Last week an inspector responded to a similar incident in West Swan, where a cat had been found trapped in a fence with yet another steel-jaw clamped around its leg.

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The cat’s leg was deemed beyond repair after being rushed to a vet and had to be amputated.

While the possession of steel-jaw traps is legal in WA, it is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 to use or set them and can result in fines of of up to $50,000 and a five-year maximum jail term.

This cat’s paw was caught in a steel-jawed trap.
Camera IconThis cat’s paw was caught in a steel-jawed trap. Credit: RSPCA

The RSPCA is also investigating after two pet cats from the same street came home drenched in blue paint.

The animal welfare charity said the recent spate of cruelty towards felines was shocking, revealing the number reports in the past three months was 30 per cent higher than the same period last year.

RSPCA animal and enforcement operations executive manager Hannah Dreaver said while cruelty towards cats was sadly not uncommon, the recent reports were particularly concerning.

"These cases definitely stand out as being unusual and – if intended to target pets – they are incredibly callous,” she said.

“We are aware that roaming cats can be a concern for neighbours, and RSPCA advocates for cat containment, but there is absolutely no excuse for intentional cruelty.

"These cats were completely defenceless, and there’s no doubt they suffered considerably – not just physically, but mentally.

"I’d urge anyone with information about what happened to these cats to report it to RSPCA WA online or by calling the cruelty hotline."

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