Newport: Cat ‘Big Ginge’ thrown from car set to be owned by rescue
He was thrown like a bag of garbage out of a moving car in Newport, on Sydney’s northern beaches, but the tough tabby cat named ‘Big Ginge’ survived and has been reunited with the young woman who saved his life.
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It’s a miracle Big Ginge survived being hurled out of a car travelling at more than 60km/h in what police described as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they have seen.
But for the tough marmalade tabby who was thrown like a piece of rubbish onto Barrenjoey Rd at Newport early Friday, the horrific incident is set to have a happy ending.
The young woman who witnessed the callous crime and then plucked critically injured Big Ginge from the tarmac wants to take him home — forever.
University student and part-time barista Julia Allen, has fallen in love with the patched-up puss who had to undergo specialist lifesaving surgery to fix his shattered jaw.
They were reunited on Monday morning at the Northside Veterinary Specialists (NVS) animal hospital at Terrey Hills for the first time since she cradled him in her arms by the roadside.
The 19-year-old from Mona Vale, who is studying criminology at Sydney University, was on her way to open the Nourished cafe at Avalon Beach when a car sped past her heading north on Barrenjoey Rd.
“I was in the left lane, the other car was in the right lane and then I saw something being thrown from the front passenger window just after it passed me.
“It all happened so fast, but it looked like a bag at first and it landed right in front of my car.
“I stopped in the middle of the road. There was a ginger cat lying on his side. He was obviously badly injured, there was blood all over his mouth and his eyes were closed, but he was breathing.”
Julia said the other car just kept going and disappeared over the hill, heading north towards Newport.
“I wanted to go after them, to check their number plate, but the cat was so badly hurt. I picked him up, held his neck steady.
“Two women who were out walking came over to help, and we wrapped him in a towel to keep him warm. Another driver pulled up and started calling around to see if a vet was open.
“I was so upset, and in shock I suppose. I couldn't stop crying for about 15 minutes.
“How could anyone do something like that to a beautiful animal. It’s just unbelievable.”
One of the women, Sonya Christian, drove Big Ginge to the Northside Emergency Veterinary Service, part of NVS.
NVS clinical director Jen Smith said today that Big Ginge, the name given to him by staff, was tough and expected to make a full recovery.
Dr Smith said as well as the surgery to repair facial fractures, he suffered terrible grazing and had to be monitored for internal bleeding and bruising to his lungs.
“It was touch and go for a while,” she said. “But he’s now on a feeding tube and he ate a little bit of food this morning, which is great.
“The lovely people who rescued him and managed to get him to us quickly and safely, saved his life.”
Dr Smith said no one has come forward to claim him, but he looked like he was someone’s pet.
“He wasn’t microchipped, but he was well fed and looked after. He’s not a feral cat.”
Julia said her parents have agreed to let her take Big Ginge home, once he fully recovers and his owner can’t be traced, even though they already have a pet Spoodle called Layla.
“I definitely want to make him my little pet.”
Police are still investigating.