A ROUTINE walk around Atwell led resident Ian McRae to a gruesome discovery.
Mr McRae said he was on his daily walk along Tapper Road when he came across a dead magpie and a mutilated rabbit.
Mr McRae was horrified to come across the animals and believed they had been involved in foul play.
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READ NOW“It was a mutilated rabbit with its head cut off and attached to a stick,” he said.
“They were so close together that it didn’t seem to be a coincidence.”
Mr McRae said after seeing the two animal carcasses he rang City of Cockburn, the RSPCA and police to report it.
“I’ve reported it to the police but I don’t think anything will come of it but hopefully they catch whoever this is,” he said.
City of Cockburn rangers and community safety manager Michael Emery said they were made aware of the incident and the City’s Waste Services were requested to remove the animals.
However the rabbit in question could not be found and instead another, which had been dead for a while, was located and buried by staff who were positive there was no foul play.
Mr Emery said any calls received by the City about animal cruelty had to be investigated by the RSPCA in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act.
“If events like the one reported do occur, it is important for the community to contact the RSPCA, as they can advise what information is needed for their investigation,” he said.
“If found guilty of animal cruelty there are significant penalties and possible imprisonment.
“The City assists the RSPCA to ensure these matters are investigated.
“Recently the City was able to supply CCTV footage to the RSPCA for an investigation.”
An RSPCA WA spokeswoman said if anyone had any information about a person being responsible for the incident, they should report it to their Cruelty Hotline 1300 278 3589.
The incident was also reported to police.
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