The kittens were found and taken on by Horsham PAWS, but unfortunately one kitten has died. It was only four-weeks old. 

Horsham PAWS president Penny Stemp said the kittens came to the organisation via the pound after a person allegedly found them in a box on their property. 

She said the remaining four kittens were in good health, but the one that died had small chance of survival. 

Abandoned animals is a frequent occurrence that Horsham PAWS is forced to see and hopes to stop.

Related: Horsham PAWS latest legends up for adoption | Photos, video

Ms Stemp said it happens way too often, especially during kitten season. She said situation was saddening, but it was a timely reminder that pet owners need to desex their animals to avoid unwanted pets. 

“If people do find themselves in the situation, they need to remember to be kind and considerate by surrendering the animal to the pound,” she said. “Dumping them leaves animals starving, alone and in pain.”   

Horsham Veterinary Hospital practice principal Debbie Delahunty said an animal should not be taken away from its mother until its eight weeks old. She said an animal will suffering from psychological, physical and survival issues when taken away from its mother too young.  

“They are use to being with their mothers and litter mates, but suddenly they’re on their own,” she said. “If they are abandon and not fed and don’t have good healthcare, they are going to struggle significantly. It’s stressful enough to move to a new family home when they are well looked after.”  

Dr Delahunty wanted to remind people that animals experience pain just like humans.

“The key to stopping animals from being abandon is to not breed unwanted animals and desexing plays a big role in that. But, if people find themselves in the position of having a litter of kittens, there’s no excuse to just dump them,” she said.

“There is no need to do such a cruel act when their are other avenues such as surrendering them to Horsham Council or Horsham PAWS.”

While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you’re up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.