RSPCA inspectors in the West region are appealing for an end to cat abandonments after a sudden surge of incidents.
Dumped loose, left in cat carriers, shoe boxes and even in a suitcase the manner in which the animals have been cast aside has astonished the charity.
Recent examples include:
Six kittens found in a bush in Shaw Walls, Whiston, Stoke-on- Trent. The terrified kittens were from two separate litters.
A young black and white cat dumped on a doorstep in a suitcase. The cat was found outside a member of the public’s home in Gravel Bank in Birmingham and was wearing a very distinctive collar (white with gold heart decoration).
Asilver grey tabby kitten dumped in a box in Brookvale Park, Slade Road, Erdington.
A tiny four week old kitten dumped in a shoe box at the side of the road near Walford Road, Birmingham.
A seven kittens found in a box outside the Cats Protection League Shop in Warstones Road. The six week old kittens were dumped on a Saturday night when the shop was closed.
A cat with breathing difficulties dumped in a cat carrier outside vets in Station Road in Telford.
Inspector Jackie Hickman who is investigating the kitten abandonment in Wolverhampton said: “Dumping any animal is morally and legally wrong and I would urge people to please stop doing it. If you abandon an animal you are putting the life of that animal at very real risk. Why risk being prosecuted for committing a criminal offence when instead you can seek help.”
“It is extremely frustrating that the message we continually give out to the public about ensuring your pet cat is neutered is being ignored by so many people. If you have a female cat that is not spayed, she will get pregnant. It is not a case of IF but WHEN. We urge people to act responsibly and have their male cats neutered and female cats spayed.
“As a charity we are struggling to cope with the number of cats and kittens currently in our care. Anyone who is looking to rehome an unwanted cat should please contact their local branch of the RSPCA.”
Anyone wanting to find out the contact details of their local RSPCA branch can check out the RSPCA website on www.rspca.org.uk