Lilydale cat Leo covered in petrol, set alight on Nelson Rd in animal cruelty case
A Lilydale couple are warning others after finding their cat Leo was victimised in a horrifying attack. The usually loving pet had only escaped out of the house when he returned home howling.
Outer East
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A Lilydale family are warning other cat owners to be vigilant after a terrifying incident of animal cruelty.
Young couple Nick Jeffs and Emma Edwards’ are urging pet owners in the area to be wary after their cat Leo – who briefly escaped the Nelson Rd home – returned howling and drenched in petrol on Sunday, August 30.
The RSPCA and police are investigating after there was evidence someone tried to set Leo alight.
Mr Jeffs said the couple were letting their dog into the back garden when the cat bolted outside.
He said the six-year-old moggy was only missing for about an hour and when they heard him howling and let the frantic feline back inside.
“We thought it must have been raining because he was wet,” Mr Jeffs said.
“But then we smelt petrol and my partner went to find where he was hiding and realised he was completely saturated.”
The couple immediately phoned police who are now investigating the case of cruelty.
Mr Jeffs said Ms Edwards also contacted the RSPCA who advised the couple to take Leo to the vet immediately and said the authority had previously received similar reports.
The pair rushed Leo to an emergency vet in Ringwood, who wanted to monitor the tabby overnight, but the couple could not afford the cost.
“We took him home with some wash the vet gave us and have been following the vet’s instructions,” Mr Jeffs said.
On her Facebook post Ms Edwards said Leo was still extremely shaken up and did not leave the couple’s bed.
“He is terrified,” she said.
“We wrap him up in our doona every night and hold him to sleep.”
She said Leo’s skin and eyes were still sore and the couple administered eye drops and cream his fur and skin every few hours.
Mr Jeffs said their usually cuddly boy, who was rescued as a kitten left on the side of a road in a box, was now traumatised and shied away from human contact.
“We want to warn cat owners and people within our local community to be aware if their cat is out, something could happen to it,” he said.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectorate Team Leader Michelle Green said the authority had received a horrific report about Leo and were investigating.
“Leo is usually kept inside, but he managed to slip out the door of his Nelson Rd home,” Ms Green said.
“When he finally returned that evening he had been doused in petrol and had singed and patchy fur on his tail and rear, as if someone had tried to set him alight.
“He also had chemical burns to his skin as a result of the fuel. His owners immediately took the dripping wet and terrified cat to an emergency vet for treatment, and amazingly he is on the road to recovery.”
She said it was likely the cat would have been in significant physical pain and experienced severe mental distress.
“We are asking anyone who has information about this incident or has seen something that may assist our investigation to please come forward and help us identify the person or persons responsible for this act of cruelty,” Ms Green said.
She said RSPCA Victoria relied on the local community to assist in these cases, and even the smallest detail could help.
Anyone who has knowledge or information relating to this incident is encouraged to call 03 9224 2222 or visit rspcavic.org/report.
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