Salisbury Council seek CCTV following a ‘despicable’ act of animal cruelty in Paralowie

Authorities are desperate to speak to witnesses after at least six kittens were dumped and killed on a northern suburbs road. Warning: Distressing content

Authorities are seeking witnesses and CCTV footage after at least six kittens were dumped and killed on a northern suburbs road in a “despicable” act of animal cruelty.

The RSPCA is warning anyone found to have dumped animals in the dangerous location faces four years’ imprisonment.

Tracy Vine was driving along Burton Rd at Paralowie about 7am Tuesday when she saw the bodies of kittens strewn across both sides of the road.

“It looked like someone had plonked them on the road alive and let them run, before running them over (with a car),” Ms Vine, of Paralowie, said.

“It was absolutely horrifying. It brought me to tears.”

The scene where the dead kittens were located, on Burton Rd. Picture: Chad Buchanan

She immediately notified Salisbury Council’s deputy mayor Chad Buchanan.

Council workers were quick to respond and clean up the road on Tuesday, he said.

Mr Buchanan and Ms Vine have been doorknocking residents in the vicinity to see if they had CCTV that could be passed on to the RSPCA.

RSPCA SA chief inspector Andrea Lewis confirmed they had received a report about the incident.

“It’s unknown if the animals were deceased before being placed on the road,” Ms Lewis said.

The kittens were believed to have been between three and six months old.

“The specific section of road is northwest from the intersection of Burton Rd and Vincent Rd, for a distance of approximately 150 metres heading towards Bolivar Rd,” she said.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at that time or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist this investigation.”

Abandoning an animal under South Australia’s Animal Welfare Act, and anyone found guilty can face two years’ imprisonment, or a fine of up to $20,000.

“Anyone found to have deliberately caused harm by releasing live animals in a dangerous location, in this case a busy road, they could face aggravated cruelty charges, which carry a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment or a $50,000 fine,” Ms Lewis said.

“This is a despicable act of animal cruelty and I hope those responsible are caught,” Cr Buchanan said.

Ms Vine was traumatised by what she saw on Tuesday morning.

“It takes someone really sick in the head to do that,” Ms Vine said.

“I’m lucky my four-year-old wasn’t there at the time … because that would have been horrific for her to see.

“The person responsible needs to be apprehended and imprisoned for their actions.”

Anyone with information to assist the investigation is urged to call RSPCA’s cruelty report hotline on 1300 477 722 or online here.