A man from Perth has been charged with animal cruelty after trapping a pet cat inside an esky, which is believed to have led to its death.
The 38-year-old resident of Floreat contacted The City of Nedlands around 7 am on March 29, 2023, regarding a cat he had captured and confined.
He requested a ranger to collect the cat, which had died approximately eight hours later.
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According to the ranger, the man claimed the cat appeared aggressive as it was disturbing his rabbits and assumed it was a stray.
Fearing the cat might scratch him or his children, he removed the drain hole of the esky to allow for airflow and confined the cat inside.
However, he did not provide any water for the cat.
When the ranger arrived, they scanned the cat’s microchip and confirmed it had an owner.
The deceased cat was taken to Swanbourne Veterinary Hospital and subsequently surrendered to RSPCA WA at the request of the owners.
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RSPCA WA indicated that the cat likely died from hypoxia and hypercapnia, conditions exacerbated by increased humidity from water vapor.
According to the organization, “Stress and fear would have increased metabolism, heat and carbon dioxide production, as well as heightened oxygen requirements.”
The man has been charged with animal cruelty, and the case will be addressed in the Perth Magistrates Court on January 24.
RSPCA WA alleges that the cat was confined in a manner that caused or likely caused it unnecessary harm.
The maximum penalty for this offense can reach a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
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