A Bacchus Marsh family’s pet cat was left in agony and fighting for his life after being attacked in the family’s backyard.
Owner Sarah (above) returned home after a couple of nights away in mid-June to find nine-month-old Roofus had swelling to his genital area. She called her local vet, who put the swelling down to Roofus being “on heat”.
But more than a week later he had to be rushed to the Lort Smith Animal Hospital, where it was discovered fishing line had been tied around his genitals. The line had cut into the skin, causing swelling and an infection.
Dr Russell Harrison, Lort Smith’s general manager of veterinary services, said he was shocked to find the fishing line. “It had cut deeply into his skin and the swelling had …blocked the urethra,” he said. “This meant Roofus couldn’t urinate and was in serious danger and excruciating pain.”
“I’ve no doubt that it was done deliberately. I find it hard to understand how people can inflict such cruelty on an animal.”
Sarah and her family were horrified to learn the details of the attack that almost took the life of their pet. “I was horrified someone could do that to him or to any animal,” Sarah said. “His chances of survival were only 2-3 per cent and [vets said]the best option may be to put him down.”
Sarah described Roofus as a nervous cat who would never leave the backyard. She said it was horrible to think the attack took place at her home. “Someone has actually come into our backyard and done this,” she said. “It’s very upsetting … you can see the trauma …
Roofus is a completely different cat since this incident.”
Sarah has already made six trips to the Lort Smith hospital with Roofus, who has been in intensive care, had two operations, and had trouble eating and urinating. He is still on medication and may need further surgery.
Sarah said she wanted to make other pet owners aware of the reality of cruelty to animals.
“We hope we can find who’s responsible and try to prevent cases of animal cruelty” she said.
The RSPCA is investigating the incident. Phone information to RSPCA inspector Karen Collier on 9224 2578.
