East Kilbride News

Cat dumped near bins during snow shower

Animal cruelty case

- Andrea O’Neill

A cat is lucky to be alive after being cruelly dumped next to wheelie bins in freezing conditions in East Kilbride.

The small black feline was discovered wet and shivering inside a material carrier under communal bins in Catacol Grove, Lindsayfie­ld last Monday afternoon.

Scottish SPCA Lanarkshir­e animal rescue officer Sarah Parker said: “The male cat had been dumped in a material carrier so his fur was soaked through by the time we managed to get him over to our centre, where he has been named Cole.

“If Cole wasn’t found when he was, due to the snow and freezing temperatur­es, he may not have made it through the night. This is not only a cruel incident but it is also a crime and we’re appealing for anyone with informatio­n to get in touch.”

SSPCA Lanarkshir­e were called out to more than 8000 heartbreak­ing incidents of animal cruelty last year.

Frontline staff responded to 8140 cases where animals were abused or neglected as a result of calls to their helpline.

Chief superinten­dent Mike Flynn insists education is key to preventing cruelty. He said: “While Scotland is a nation of animals lovers, unfortunat­ely there are some who still abuse and neglect animals. We are encouraged by the continued success of our Prevention through Education programme for primary schools, which reached over 37,770 children in the Lanarkshir­e area.”

The charity also cared for over 2200 animals at their Lanarkshir­e centre and found new homes for over 1100.

Abandoning an animal is an offence. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life. Contact the animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

 ??  ?? Heartbreak­ing Cole was found soaking after being discarded amongst trash in this carrier, inset
Heartbreak­ing Cole was found soaking after being discarded amongst trash in this carrier, inset
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom