RSPCA calls for information after seven kittens - including three neonatals - found dumped in suitcase

Three of the seven - found in a fully zipped suitcase - have yet to be weaned. Now the RSPCA want your help.

Three neonatal kittens were found dumped in a fully zipped suitcase at Athelstone. Picture: RSPCA

Seven kittens - including three just three weeks old - have been found dumped in a fully zipped suitcase on Christmas Day in an Athelstone car park.

A passer-by on his daily walk found the suitcase about 8am on Sunday beside the Athelstone Recreation Reserve on Lower Athelstone Rd on Sunday.

After first tapping the suitcase, he was shocked to discover it contained kittens.

He took the suitcase home, gave the kittens water and contacted the RSPCA who are calling for public help to find out who is responsible.

Three of the kittens were just three-weeks old and not yet weaned from their mother. The remaining four were aged about 10-weeks old.

The younger kittens - who require four-hourly feeding - immediately went into foster care with an RSPCA staff member.

The older kittens were visibly frightened but in good condition and expected to make a full recovery.

The four older kittens were found dumped in an Athelstone car park. Picture: RSPCA

RSPCA rescue officer Nalika van Loenen said it was extremely lucky the kittens were found before the temperature on 32C on Christmas Day.

“To be zipped up inside a dark, airless suitcase is such an awful thing for any animal to endure,” Ms van Loenen said.

“Being so young, it’s highly likely these kittens would have perished in yesterday’s heat if not found when they were.

“It is both shockingly cruel and unnecessary, when there are humane options to surrender

unwanted animals to a reputable animal welfare organisation like RSPCA or find them new homes.”

The incident is now under investigation by RSPCA SA’s inspectorate.

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the state’s Animal Welfare Act and carries a maximum penalty of two-years’ jail or a $20,000 fine.

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA on 1300 277 722.