Woman fined, charged after kitten left for weeks with no food, water

A woman’s been fined after leaving her cat alone for two weeks with no food or water, prompting a warning from the RSPCA.

The RSPCA is urging pet owners to make sure they have proper arrangements in place before heading away this Easter.

It follows a case in Western Australia where a 14-week-old kitten was left alone in a unit north of Perth without adequate food or water for up to two weeks.

The cat, now named Abby, was reported to RSPCA WA on June 13, with an inspector attending a Geraldton unit and finding the cat meowing loudly and starving.

Abby the cat, rescued from a home in Geraldton where she was left without food or water for up to two weeks.

The inspector found no one had been living in the locked unit for some time, and the animal had no access to food or water.

She was found to be underweight by a vet, but has since made a full recovery, and is now in foster care.

Her owner, a 37-year-old woman, has since been charged and fined $2500 — she’s also been banned from owning animals for two years.

RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the situation was heartbreaking.

Abby is now in foster care. Her former owner has been fined $2500 and banned from owning a pet for two years.

Abby's case has prompted the RSPCA to urge pet owners to make sure adequate arrangements are in place before they head away for Easter.

“So many things can go wrong when pets are left without proper care for long periods,” said Ms Green.

“Abby is lucky to be alive today and we’re extremely grateful to the person who reported her situation to RSPCA WA.

“This case should serve as a reminder to pet owners – you must make appropriate plans for your animal’s care when you go away.

“Arrange a pet sitter, book your pet into boarding, or, at the very least, organise someone to check on them daily, ensuring they have adequate food, water, and company.”

Originally published as Woman fined, charged after kitten left for weeks with no food, water