Humane Society Reminds Pet Owners of the Importance of Veterinary Care

On Thursday, February 25 the Humane Society received a call about a cat in a garbage dumpster. When the agent arrived, she learned that the cat had been found in a plastic garbage bag in the dumpster by a concerned citizen. Although it initially appeared to be a clear case of malicious animal cruelty, veterinary examinations revealed that the cat had very significant medical issues, including paralysis. We suspect that the cat was so weak that her owners might have thought that she had died and believed that they were just disposing of her remains. 

Humane Society veterinarian Dr. Aimee Seguin looks at this as an opportunity to remind all pet owners about the importance of proper veterinary care. “This cat had a number of serious medical conditions, and should have been under the care of a veterinarian.  Rather than letting the cat continue to suffer, she could have been treated for her medical issues, or humanely euthanized if treatment wasn’t possible. Either of those options would have made the last days and hours of the cat’s life much more comfortable.” The cat was clearly in pain, and the serious nature of the medical issues (compounded by exposure to the cold and lack of oxygen) led the Humane Society to a decision to humanely euthanize the cat.

The Humane Society hopes that this was a tragic accident on the part of this animal’s owner, and not an act of intentional cruelty.  If anyone has any information about this case or situation they are encouraged to contact the Humane Society and 519.966.5751.