Man charged for trapping pet cat inside esky, likely causing its death

A Perth man has been charged with animal cruelty for trapping a pet cat inside an esky, which is believed to have caused its death.

A 38-year-old man from Floreat called The City of Nedlands over a cat he had captured and confined about 7am on March 29, 2023.

He asked for a ranger to collect the cat as it had died about eight hours later.

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According to the ranger, the man said the cat appeared aggressive as it was disturbing his rabbits and believed it was a stray.

He was worried the cat would scratch him or his children so he removed the drain hole of the esky to allow for airflow and put the cat inside.

He did not put any water inside for the cat.

The ranger arrived at the home, scanned the cat's microchip and confirmed it had an owner.

The dead cat was taken to the Swanbourne Veterinary Hospital and then surrendered to RSPCA WA at the owners' request.

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RSPCA WA said the cat likely died due to suffering from hypoxia and hypercapnia, which were worsened by increased humidity from water vapour.

"Stress and fear would have increased metabolism, heat and carbon dioxide production, as well as increased oxygen requirements," the organisation said.

The man was charged with animal cruelty and the matter will be mentioned in the Perth Magistrates Court on January 24.

RSPCA WA is alleging the cat was confined in a manner that caused or likely caused it unnecessary harm.

The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.

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