The discovery of a cat with a partially incinerated body in Sunshine West has prompted an appeal for information from RSPCA Victoria.
The cat was found on the Derrimut Trail and its cause of death is being investigated by RSPCA inspectors.
It is believed the cat was killed on or about April 7 in the Sunshine West area.
According to data recovered from the cat’s microchip, the cat’s name was Ryan and he was six years old.
His owner’s contact details are expired; however, it is believed the cat lived with a local family.
Ryan was a domestic shorthair cat with a tabby and white coat, collar, and bell.
RSPCA inspectors have contacted Ryan’s owner as part of their investigations.
Ryan’s body appears to have been deliberately incinerated at the location, while multiple broken and discarded animal traps were found near his remains, the RSPCA said.
RSPCA senioriInspector Sarah Gilbert described the situation as disturbing and malicious.
“Our current evidence suggests this is an act of deliberate, malicious cruelty towards an animal. We believe this cat had been originally adopted from an animal shelter and was put through an abhorrent amount of pain and suffering before its death. We are pleading for the public’s help to identify the person responsible for this act,” she said.
“We are confident we will bring justice for Ryan; however, we urge anyone in the area who may have seen or heard something to contact RSPCA’s inspectorate. This is a disturbing incident for this local community, and we are conducting a thorough investigation.”
It is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 to wound, mutilate, torture, abuse, beat, torment or terrify an animal, or to take, or omit to take, an action that results in unreasonable pain or suffering to an animal.
Offences under the act attract penalties of up to 250 penalty units, which equates to $46,230 or 12 months imprisonment.
Information to RSPCA Victoria on 9224 2222 or at rspcavic.org.
