UPDATE, MONDAY 12.10pm: The RSPCA is investigating after the head of a cat was found at an oval in Kennington at the weekend.
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A spokesperson for the animal welfare charity said the RSPCA had received a report in relation to the discovery.
EARLIER: A cat’s head found at a Kennington oval has triggered warnings to pet owners to keep their feline companions inside.
A local resident, who asked not to be identified, was walking his dog when he made the discovery near Kennington Primary School’s main oval late Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a pretty shocking thing to find near a primary school,” he said.
The man was unable to find the rest of the cat’s body.
He wanted to warn other pet owners in the Kennington and Strathdale areas.
The man has supplied images of the discovery to the RSPCA.
It was not yet clear whether this was a case of animal cruelty. Bendigo Animal Welfare and Community Services’ president Debbie Edwards was not familiar with the case but said other culprits could have included foxes or domestic animals.
Cases of animal cruelty against cats were not uncommon, Ms Edwards said, and felines could be targeted by some who saw them wandering around outdoors.
“When people let cats roam around the neighbourhood it is the risk that they are taking. The bottom line is that if it is not out, it cannot be attacked,” she said.
Another reason to keep them indoors or in outdoor cat cages was to stop them getting lost, Ms Edwards said.
The service offered kits to help turn outdoors cat into happy indoor felines, including advice on enriching the home environment.
“It’s not just a matter of keeping them inside. You have to provide the right environment to make sure they are a happy cat,” Ms Edwards said.
To find out more about the kits, call 1017 382 741 or email admin@bawcs.org.au