‘Emaciated’ kitten among hundreds of animals surrendered on Fraser Coast

An emaciated kitten is among hundreds of animals that have been surrendered on the Fraser Coast in recent months.

Describing Faith’s condition upon arrival, Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Animal Facilities coordinator Tiffany Palmer said the kitten was so weak she could barely stand.

Hundreds of unwanted animals have been surrendered on the Fraser Coast in recent months, including an “emaciated” kitten which was on the brink of death.

In March 2023, the facility saw its biggest ever month of surrenders – 76 - closely followed by May, when 57 animals were surrendered.

One kitten, named Faith, was left after she was found on a large cattle property surviving on cattle food.

Describing Faith’s condition upon arrival, Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Animal Facilities co-ordinator Tiffany Palmer said the kitten was so weak she could barely stand.

“Faith was the most emaciated kitten I have ever seen,” Ms Palmer said.

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“I could feel her hip bones and ribs but, she was very friendly, and all she wanted was to be held and cuddled.”

Due to her prolonged consumption of cattle food and extreme thinness, Faith required intensive care to regain her strength and was syringe fed and fostered by Tiffany.

Now in great health and looking for a new home, Faith was just one of hundreds of cats left at the Adoption Centre this year.

“The facility has seen a spike in the number of animals surrendered, in particular cats,” Tiffany said.

“A total of 458 animals have entered the facility this year alone, with 224 of those being surrendered.

“This year the facility has had 93 dogs and a whopping 123 cats surrendered, plus 8 roosters.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour emphasised the importance of desexing pets.

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“Avoiding unwanted litters of puppies and kittens is a key reason why it is important to desex your pet,” he said.

Mr Seymour said there were also lesser-known benefits of animal desexing.

“If an animal is desexed, it is less likely to roam, which reduces the risk of it being hit by a car, becoming lost, and ending up at an animal facility,” he said.

“Desexed animals are also less likely to show aggressive behaviour, which means they are less likely to mark their territory or engage in fights with other animals in your household or the neighbourhood.”

Fraser Coast pet owners can apply for an animal desexing reimbursement of $50 for cats and $100 for dogs.

Residents can get more information about their eligibility for the rebate here.

If you think you have room in your family for Faith or any other animal at the Fraser Coast Adoption Centre located at Cicada Lane, Urangan, call 1300 79 49 29.