A family of flea-ridden cats were abandoned on an RSPCA rescue centre’s driveway by a man who hid from staff and ran away after dropping the pet carrier.
At around 4pm on Saturday (27 August), the plastic pet carrier – with a mum cat and her three kittens inside – was left on the driveway at Coventry Animal Centre – run by RSPCA Coventry & District Branch – in Coventry.
Deputy manager Dave Budd said: “Despite our reception being open at this time, a man appeared to hide until a member of staff walked away from the area and then ran away after dropping the carrier.
“We’re currently operating at full capacity and have a long waiting list of people patiently waiting for our assistance, most in desperate situations.
“We cannot operate on a system where people suddenly dump animals on us. Our cattery is full and so are our foster spaces. Thankfully, one of our experienced members of staff looked after the cats on Saturday night and sought advice from a vet but, sadly, one of the little kittens passed away.”
It comes as the RSPCA’s centres across England and Wales report being full due to an increasing demand for rescue spaces. New figures released by the charity also show the number of animals being abandoned – like these cats – has risen a worrying 17% from 2020 to 2021, with a further increase of 24% in the first part of 2022 which is why it has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign to raise funds to help animals in desperate need.
The animal welfare charity has seen an increase in the number of dogs, cats and rabbits coming into its care while its Animal Kindness Index found 68% of people were concerned that the cost of care was increasing and 19% were worried about how they’ll afford to feed their pets.
Dave added: “We will work with people in all situations but we cannot create spaces that we simply don’t have at our centre; we’re suffering the same pressures every other rescue in the country is currently facing. Please don’t abandon animals on our doorstep; speak to us if you are in need and we will try our best to assist you.”
The cats were all covered in fleas but are now receiving treatment. The mum – who has been named Trinity – is underweight but is feeding well and staff feel she’s starting to perk up.
Dave said: “She adores the kittens and rarely lets them roam far from her. Madison and Navey are doing well and, although they’re nervous of people, they’re coming around slowly.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has donated to help us care for this little family and who has offered foster spaces; we’re incredibly grateful and we couldn’t do the vital work we do without the amazing support from the local community.”
To help the team at Coventry Animal Centre take care of the family of cats, please donate via its Facebook fundraiser.
To help the RSPCA rescue more abandoned animals and support the charity as it attempts to crackdown on cruelty this summer please donate by visiting our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign online.
