A six-week-old kitten is receiving intensive veterinary care after allegedly having hot candle wax poured onto her in Hanover Park, Cape Town, according to the Animal Welfare Society of SA (AWS), Cape {town} Etc reports.
The kitten was taken to the organisation’s hospital with burn injuries, severe eye infections and symptoms of the snuffles virus. She was also reportedly starving when she arrived.
According to the AWS, a group of children allegedly poured hot candle wax onto the vulnerable animal. The organisation’s inspectorate is investigating the incident and appealing to the community for information that could help establish what happened.
Kitten receives treatment in high-care isolation
Despite her young age, the kitten is already facing several health challenges.
The veterinary team moved quickly to stabilise her, begin treatment and admit her to the hospital’s high-care isolation area, where she is receiving further medical attention.
The AWS also confirmed that the kitten tested negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
The organisation says its team will continue doing everything possible to provide the young animal with the care she needs.
However, the investigation extends beyond the kitten herself. The AWS is also trying to locate her mother and determine whether there are other kittens in the area that could be vulnerable and require assistance.
If found, the kittens can receive primary healthcare and be admitted for sterilisation when they are old enough.
Animal welfare organisation appeals to Hanover Park residents
The AWS is asking anyone who may have information about the alleged incident to contact its Inspectorate Department.
Residents who witnessed what happened, or who may be able to assist investigators in identifying those responsible, are encouraged to come forward.
The organisation can be contacted on 021 692 2626 or 082 601 1761.
The appeal also serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspected animal cruelty rather than remaining silent when an animal is being harmed.
For the AWS, the immediate priority is ensuring that the injured kitten receives the treatment she needs while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The organisation has urged the Hanover Park community to help protect the kitten and any other animals that may be at risk.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the AWS Inspectorate Department directly.
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