RSPCA WA is calling for information after a much-loved family cat was found deliberately killed.
Tiger Tim, a four-year-old tabby male, was spotted in the Swan River in Bayswater by a member of the public at around 6pm on Thursday 24 August.
City of Bayswater rangers attended the scene at the jetty at the end of Memorial Drive, but it was too dark to see the cat against the jetty. They returned on Friday morning and retrieved him.
Shockingly, as they removed Tiger Tim from the water, they found he had a brick tied around his neck.
They took him to a local vet who found he was microchipped. The vet called RSPCA WA.
Inspector Hayley Wirth said when she went to Tiger Tim’s home to break the news, the first thing she saw was a ‘lost cat’ poster in the windows of his owner’s car.
‘He had been missing for two weeks and they’d been desperately searching for him,’ she said.
‘When I told them Tiger Tim had been killed, they were distraught as you can imagine.
‘He went missing from Tenth Ave in Inglewood. That’s over five kilometres from where he was found.
‘Someone has deliberately driven Tiger Tim to this location, tied a brick to his neck and thrown him in the river. That is a serious criminal offence, and I am asking for the public’s help to find out who committed it.’
Unfortunately, the City of Bayswater has no CCTV footage that would be of assistance in the RSPCA’s investigation. However, the area near where Tiger Tim was found is a popular one, especially with off-lead dog walkers.
‘I’m hoping someone saw something of note that they can pass on through our Cruelty Hotline.’
Inspector Hayley said to think of how terrified and distraught Tiger Tim must have been through the whole ordeal is heartbreaking.
‘What a wicked, cowardly and callous thing to do to such a defenceless, well-loved creature. Tiger Tim was an important member of his family and will be sadly missed.’
Anyone with information about Tiger Tim’s drowning is asked to contact the RSPCA WA 24-hour Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358 or online at rspcawa.org.au.
The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty conviction is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
