Probe launched after kitten left with broken bones, head injuries in suspected southeast cruelty act

A young cat suffering broken legs, head injuries and facial cuts has been surrendered to a rescue group while on the brink of death, with a Carrum Downs vet team scrambling to save him after the suspected prolonged violent abuse.

12-week-old kitten Wee Rupert is at the centre of an animal cruelty investigation after he was handed into a Carrum Downs vet with horrifying injuries Picture: MEOW Rescue Facebook

A 12-week-old kitten has been left with horrific injuries including two broken legs following a suspected animal cruelty attack in Melbourne’s southeast.

And marmalade cat Wee Rupert faces a possible leg amputation as well treatments for cuts to his face and head injuries.

The RSPCA confirmed an investigation was ongoing after the pet underwent major orthopaedic surgery immediately after he was surrendered at PetStock Carrum Downs with the sickening injuries on May 28.

PetStock’s specialist team added splints to the little animal’s legs and dressed cuts including wounds near his mouth before he underwent a further procedure on Monday to save his limbs.

It is unknown who handed him in or how he sustained the traumatic injuries however cat rescue group Meow Rescue, which is raising funds to cover Wee Rupert’s surgery, said it was not the first time he had been presented to a vet with concerning injuries.

“Wee Rupert has been through far too much for a 12 week old kitten … multiple counts of abuse over his short lifespan has led him to being finally surrendered to the team at PetStock Carrum Downs,” the group said on social media.

The cat suffered severe injuries including broken legs. Picture: MEOW Rescue Facebook

“Wee Rupert has been left with a head injury, facial injuries and two broken legs due to his abuse (and) is currently in the ICU at Peninsula Vet Hospital while he recovers from major orthopaedic surgery.

“Monday will not be his last surgery and he may need an amputation down the line … we are also unsure of the lasting effects of his abuse.”

A PetStock Carrum Downs spokeswoman told the Leader the kitten was coping “really well” in intensive care and would be made available for foster care “shortly”.

She could not elaborate further on the circumstances surrounding the suspected attack.

The Meow Rescue group suspects Wee Rupert was subjected to ongoing animal cruelty at the hands of his owner. Picture: MEOW Rescue Facebook

The chilling incident comes as the number of Victorian animal cruelty cases improved during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the state’s five-year average.

“The number of reports to RSPCA Victoria has decreased over the past few months however, seasonally, this is normal as we enter winter each year,” a spokeswoman told the Leader.

“The number of cruelty reports received since March is approximately 17 per cent lower than the five-year average.”

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A fundraiser organised by volunteer-based Meow Rescue to cover Wee Rupert’s piling medical bills has soared past $6000.

“This is a massive undertaking but Wee Rupert needs our help and yours. Let’s show this little boy he deserves a life without abuse, and support his long road to recovery,” they said.

To donate to Wee Rupert’s medical fund, click here.