AFTER witnessing a horrific incident, in which a kitten was run over by two separate cars just before Christmas, long-time animal lover Barbara Schmoelzer urged pet owners to take care in transit.

"Two days before Christmas my husband and I witnessed a kitten, obviously not restrained properly, coming out of a moving vehicle," Mrs Schmoelzer said.

"It was run over twice - first by its new owner on its rear end and then by another vehicle as it was crawling away.

"We rushed over to save it from being hit a third time and took it to the vet but they had no choice but to put it to sleep.

Although seatbelts are typically a compulsory feature for any motoring passenger, Mrs Schmoelzer has warned owners not to be complacent when it came to transporting their pets.

She said even with the best intentions, the unfamiliar environment of a car could present safety issues for both the pet and driver without proper restraints.

"So I must point out carrying an animal unrestrained is illegal, and most vets will lend carriers," she said.

"It's vital to the safety of the animal and to protect the driver."

Mrs Schmoelzer said she had always been passionate about helping animals in need, and urged others to be thoughtful and caring when it comes to pets.

She said her current pets - a goat and a cat, both rescued - enriched her life.

"Over our married life, since 1970, most of our pets have been rescues for one reason or another," she said.

"It seems we have an invisible sign on our house that says 'all animals welcome'.

"We'll always help a poor mite when the situation arises - even the wallabies and birds know this is a safe house.

"Kimi is a manx cat someone found six years ago tied up in a sack on the side of the Texas Hwy. They brought her to the vet and, as I had just lost my cat, the vet offered her to me.

"Two years ago we rescued a goat. We tried to find his owner but with no luck, so now we have Milo."