By Dewi Sherry
Ten kittens were found dumped in a cardboard box in Melton last Saturday.
Founder of Western Suburbs Cat and Kitten Rescue, Nathan Miles, said the kittens, believed to be three or four weeks old, were dumped near Arnolds Creek.
They were left without their mother, riddled with fleas, very skinny and very weak, Mr Miles said.
“The kittens had been left in that box for a very long period of time. At this age, they should not be without their mother,” he said.
This is not the first time Mr Miles has seen a situation like this in Melton.
“Every year this type of thing happens in the lead-up to Christmas. It is prevalent across the western suburbs, especially in Melton,” he said.
Animal foster carer Maryann Russell has taken in the litter and is nursing the kittens back to health.
“When the kittens first came to me they were very frail and weak. We had to hand feed some of the little ones to make sure they were eating. It’s only early days, we’re hoping all of them survive,” Mrs Russell said.
Mrs Russell hopes that in four weeks the kittens will be able to be desexed and vaccinated, then put up for adoption.
The Western Suburbs Cat and Kitten Rescue is offering help for all pet owners who can’t
look after their cats. They can help with any queries about desexing, vaccinations and much more.
Visit www.facebook.com/wscatrescue for more information.