A ringtail possum has escaped with his life after being rescued by RSPCA Victoria Inspectors from a sealed bag found dumped in Brighton on Tuesday, 16 September.
The bag was discovered by a local resident who reported to RSPCA Victoria's Inspectorate that an unidentified animal was seemingly alive inside the tightly sealed bag.
The bag was found on the road in Asling Street, Brighton. It may have fallen off a moving vehicle or may have been placed there intentionally.
The lucky animal, dubbed Possum Magic, was assessed by RSPCA Victoria vets who said it was likely the possum had been caught in a trap before being cruelly sealed in the bag, as indicated by the wound on his nose.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectorate Acting Team Leader Maree Crabtree said that the possum would have no long-term injuries, but he would need time to recover from the trauma he had endured.
"Upon receiving the report from a concerned citizen, I was worried the ringtail possum wouldn't be able to be saved. But it's been a true good news story, despite the odds," says Ms Crabtree.
Possum Magic is now with an expert wildlife carer who will help rehabilitate him before returning him back to the wild.
"The possum would have experienced significant mental distress from being contained in such a way. Thankfully, he is in good hands and our focus is now on investigating and prosecuting the individual who committed this act of animal cruelty -as such, we are asking those who have information to come forward and make a report."
