In NSW animals have protection under POCTA (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act).

I lived next door to a place called Camp Kitty, and I have been running this petition page for some 6 years now to try and get help for all the cats that lived there which was approx 200 in 2016. Now there is only one remaining, and that cat I call Spotty.

On 11 December 2020 I wrote to the Minister of Agriculture NSW, the Hon Adam Marshall. He did not reply, which is in breach of NSW Correspondence Policy. I wrote again in on 25 Jan 2021 and again did not get a reply. So I wrote to complain to The Premier of NSW, and I have now been able to get the Hon Minister to reply to me!

Unfortunately his reply does not address the questions I have asked of him. The statements of any substance I have received from him are these -

(1) `I am advised by representatives from the RSPCA that a large number of cats were seized as part of an action against Camp Kitty’

The question I asked was concerning a picture of a cat that had been partially eaten by other cats at Camp Kitty. This was taken when there were 200 cats at CK and the RSPCA NSW informed me in writing that there were no welfare issues.

(2) I can confirm that all matters have been before the court and finalised, and that the single cat that remains at Camp Kitty is being appropriately cared for and receiving everything that it requires. I have been advised that the cat is not suitable for rehoming and is quite content living where it resides.

The question I asked was `will you confirm that this cat (ie Spotty) has not been given its rights under POCTA, namely by not been given regular veterinary care, does not get the supervision and exercise as required under POCTA, and also food and water supply frequency in the manner POCTA regulates.’

How a Government Minister responsible for POCTA can state that a cat that has been living under the conditions is quite content as it has for over 4 years is beyond me. The picture shown is of the Spotty’s living quarters. No adequate shelter and often overgrown surroundings. Temperatures in Cowra get to 45C in summer and down to -5C in winter, sometimes even colder. Plus of course the solitude!

I stress to readers that I do not live next door to CK any more so I cannot comment on its present living conditions. Regarding rehoming I have stated many times I was able (and still am able) to get Spotty a caring and safe environment to live, but this offer was never taken up.

READERS, please ask the Hon Marshall if Spotty’s rights under POCTA were respected when the RSPCA NSW were stating that there were no welfare issues and Camp Kitty had been abandoned by its owner for some 3 years. As the previous next door neighbour to CK I can categorically state that these rights were not granted that poor creature. Also, why is Spotty not suitable for rehoming? What behaviour does it display for the Hon Minister to make that statement? What treatment will it have suffered for it to become unsuitable?

To contact him google Minister for Agriculture, NSW the Hon Adam Marshall, and save a copy of what you ask him (as you will have to fill out a format correspondence page. as there is every possibility you will not get a reply. If no reply within 20 days then please complain to the Premier NSW.

Please contact anyone or any organisation that may be able to assist. Email your friends, contact on Facebook. Over the years I have tried everything at my disposal, Current Affair, Sydney Morning Herald, the 2 Senators of the Animal Justice Party, all the State MP’s of NSW, all the Councils of NSW, the RSPCA Federation, etc.

Remember it is the Tax payers of NSW that pay the Hon Minister’s salary, and also the tax payers’ monies that are given to the RSPCA NSW on an annual basis and also for one off grants.

One last question to ask said Minister, is the RSPCA NSW a PUBLIC COMPANY?

Thanks everyone, regards Keith.