Animal cruelty investigation sparked after beloved pet dies in rabbit trap
A Chelsea family is grieving the loss of their beloved young cat Zeus who had to be put down after being found stuck in a metal spring-operated rabbit trap, sparking an RSPCA animal cruelty probe.
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A Chelsea Heights woman says her family has been left heartbroken and children unable to sleep after their beloved pet cat was killed by an illegal rabbit trap.
The RSPCA launched an animal cruelty probe after pet tabby Zeus, who had been missing from Vivien Guascoine’s home for more than a week, died after he got caught in a leg hold trap at Edithvale wetlands.
The fluffy cat’s injuries were so severe, because he had been trapped by his head, that animal welfare officers had to put him down immediately when he was discovered less than 500 metres from their Brolga Av home on December 6.
“Both of my sons Sam, 7, and Jon, 4, have been crying themselves to sleep since we found out,” Ms Guascoine said.
“Jon keeps asking me if Zeus is coming back to life.”
The mother said her family “feared for the worst” when Zeus didn’t come home on the weekend, but didn’t give up hope that he could be alive.
Officers believe the cat’s leg became tangled in the jawed spring-operated traps, which are illegal to use on crown land and in urban areas.
“I feel so angry and disgusted that someone could even think it’s OK to have illegal rabbit traps laying around … what if it was a child that was caught?,” Ms Guascione said.
“I know to most people a cat is just an animal, but to us Zeus was a part of our family.
“He was a gentle natured cat who loved to snuggle and have a belly rub.
“It’s been extremely difficult.”
It is unknown if Zeus became disoriented trying to reach the family’s old house on Jabiru Dr, which backs on to the wetlands.
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“But when we did live in that street he’d always go out into the wetlands and come back unharmed,” Ms Guascoine said.
“I‘m shocked to know someone put that trap out there.”
An RSPCA Victoria spokeswoman said they had 40 reports across Victoria relating to the traps in the past financial year.
The punishment carries five penalty units, with single units equal to $165.
RSPCA could not make a comment in relation to the ongoing investigation.