Fraser Coast council responds to criticism after gravely ill kitten euthanised

A rescue group has criticised a Queensland council after a gravely ill kitten was euthanised, saying offers had been made to try to save the tiny animal.

The Fraser Coast council has responded to claims a gravely sick kitten that was euthanised after coming into its care could have been saved.

The Fraser Coast council has responded to claims a gravely sick kitten that was euthanised after coming into its care could have been saved.

The kitten was found wandering in Pialba earlier this month and a photo was posted on the Fraser Coast Animal Pound Facebook page searching for its owner.

Several comments were left on the Facebook page, saying the kitten looked to have hydrocephalus.

Then at the weekend Touching Hearts Animal Rescue made a post regarding the kitten, which read “rest in peace to this little soul”.

“Two rescue groups very experienced with your health condition put their hand up to save you, but the pound euthanised you anyway.

“You deserved better.”

The post attracted dozens of reactions and comments, with many criticising the council for not accepting help for the kitten.

However, a Fraser Coast Regional Council spokesman said the kitten was suffering from serious health issues and had been examined by three vets before the difficult decision was made.

“A member of the public found the kitten wandering earlier this month and it was immediately taken to a vet for assessment,” he said.

“The kitten was diagnosed with a serious brain condition, deformed legs and ongoing eye issues.

“The kitten received vet care and medication for over a week.

The Fraser Coast council has responded to claims a gravely sick kitten that was euthanised after coming into its care could have been saved.

“While the kitten completed its holding time waiting for an owner to come forward, its condition continued to worsen.

“The council’s contracted vet clinic sought advice from two other specialist vets and the advice was that surgery was not a viable option for a kitten this young, especially given the severity of its health issues.

“Based on the expert advice of these three vets and considering the kitten’s declining quality of life, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanise the kitten last week.

“We greatly appreciate the offers from rescue groups to take in the kitten.

“However, council must rely on the professional judgment of veterinarians when determining whether an animal can be adopted or placed with a rescue group.

“Council has a memorandum of understanding with rescue groups and covers all veterinary work including desexing, microchipping, vaccination, worming, flea treatments, and health exams, as part of this agreement.

“In the past year alone, 352 animals have been adopted from the Fraser Coast Adoption Centre and an additional 235 animals have been transferred to rescue groups from Brisbane to Bundaberg.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with these groups to help many more animals find their forever homes in the future.”

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Originally published as Fraser Coast council responds to criticism after gravely ill kitten euthanised