By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A BERWICK resident who said her dead pet cat was treated like “garbage” by council has demanded to know why she wasn’t notified by the City of Casey about its death.
Carolynn Smart’s cat, Noodle, went missing on Sunday 12 October and is believed to have been hit and killed by a car which didn’t stop on Domain Drive.
After more than a week of searching for Noodle with her partner Adam, and delivering 200 flyers throughout the local neighbourhood, Carolynn said she was contacted by a woman who claimed she saw the cat get hit, and then contacted the City of Casey about the incident.
Eight-year-old Noodle was registered and micro-chipped, but was not wearing a collar at the time she went missing.
“A lady living nearby saw it happen and contacted the council who assured her that if the cat was micro-chipped the owner would be contacted,” Ms Smart said.
“The council collected her on Monday 13 October. Central Animal Records have confirmed that she was not scanned.
“I have since been informed that the City of Casey does not scan dead domestic animals for microchips.
“I was not notified by the council and have not had the chance to bury my companion. She was treated like garbage.
“I have paid her registration for eight years and the council does not have the decency to scan and make a call.”
Casey roads and construction manager Wayne Mack said: “Where it is possible” council will scan deceased animals for a microchip”.
He said it was not possible for all animals to be scanned due to the injuries they sustain, the availability of scanning equipment and the occupational health and safety requirements of the collecting officer.
“The City of Casey has responded to 199 requests to collect dead animals from the roadside this year, and undertakes pro-active collection when needed,” he said.
“While the council endeavours to identify pets and contact owners, this can often be difficult due to the nature of the injuries sustained and if the animal is not wearing a registration collar.
“Pet owners are urged to ensure their cats and dogs are micro-chipped, registered with the council and wearing the visible registration tag on their collar.
“This is the most effective way for the council to contact pet owners in the unfortunate event their pet goes missing.”
