By Danielle Galvin
A POORLY treated cat with a skin condition is at the centre of a bitter fight between two Hampton Park residents and the Pearcedale RSPCA Animal Shelter.
Marilyn Etherton and Rose Shiozaki are fighting to save Sebastian from being euthanised.
Sebastian, who belonged to the previous owners of Ms Etherton’s house, is being housed at the Pearcedale shelter.
“We were concerned about the status of the cat, we planned to get a hold of it,” she said. “Then I got a letter from the RSPCA saying the cat had turned up at the shelter.”
Planning to adopt the cat, Ms Etherton made contact with the shelter and paid for skin tests at a veterinary clinic at the behest of the RSPCA.
“I think they believe he is not suitable for adoption,” Ms Etherton said.
The pair have contacted animal rights lawyers in a bid to save the cat from being euthanised.
“Sebastian could have been kept in a cage at my house away from my other cats,” Ms Etherton said.
Rose Shiozaki said that the RSPCA had decided to put down the cat and would go ahead with it even though Ms Etherton could look after him.
“They could have just let Marilyn adopt the cat,” Ms Shiozaki said. “We’ve spoken to an animal rights lawyer who is dealing with it.”
The RSPCA did not respond before the News went to print.