Bodies of dead kittens dumped at cemetery
TWO FLEA-RIDDEN YOUNG CATS FOUND INSIDE KNOTTED BIN BAG
THE bodies of two female kittens riddled with fleas were sadly found tied up in a knotted bin bag in a Hull graveyard.
The tabby cats, approximately eight weeks old, were discovered near a wall on the east side of Western Cemetery, not far from Thoresby Primary School.
A concerned dog walker noticed her dog’s unusual interest in the bag and decided to investigate. To her utter dismay, she found the deceased kittens inside.
The RSPCA was immediately alerted to the kittens on Monday, May 15, at around 9.45am, and is now urging anyone with information to come forward.
The heart-wrenching incident coincides with an alarming rise in animal abandonment cases reported to the RSPCA’S emergency line. Last month alone, the charity received 1,508 reports of abandoned animals, marking a 9.6 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.
Upon discovering the kittens, RSPCA animal rescue officer Dan Richardson promptly transported them to a local veterinarian for examination. They were found to be crawling with fleas, a condition that could have been prevented with appropriate care and treatment. Additionally, they appeared to be slightly underweight and one of them showed signs of possible cat flu.
Mr Richardson said. “It was a really distressing find for this member of the public to come across and we’d like to thank her for stopping to investigate. Both kittens were crawling in fleas – something that is entirely preventable with the right treatment and care – and may have been suffering from anaemia as a result of the infestations. The vet said they were also slightly underweight and one was showing signs of possible cat flu.
“Given their condition, it’s thought they may have been abandoned early Monday morning or possibly the night before, but the vet was unable to tell if they were alive or dead when they were placed in the bag.
“It’s always a sad and depressing sight for myself and my colleagues to see vulnerable young animals left in circumstances like this.
“We appreciate the financial difficulties some people are experiencing right now, however abandoning your pet, or not seeking appropriate veterinary help if it’s needed, is never acceptable.
“There is help and support available and we would urge people to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities.”
The discovery of the kittens has led the RSPCA to reiterate the importance of pet neutering. The charity encourages cat neutering from four months old to be a responsible part of pet ownership. It also encourages those who are in line for an appointment for neutering to keep female cats indoors.
Animal welfare charities have seen an increase in the number of cats forced into care in recent years during kitten season, which is typically between April and September.
Every year, more than 20,000 cats are having to be rescued by the RSPCA. These animals are often found dumped on roadsides or found in cardboard boxes when their owners can no longer care for them, or were just not expecting a litter.
Neutering can help tackle this issue and reduce the immense pressure that animal welfare organisations are under, especially over the summer months.
Anyone who was in the area at the time, or has information about the kittens, is urged to contact the RSPCA’S appeal line on 0300 1238018, quoting reference number 01073244.