The RSPCA says the person responsible for dumping two cats in a builders bag in Leeds showed a callous disregard for their welfare.
The young white and tabby cats, both females, were discovered in the rubble sack by a member of the public on Friday morning (June 9) in long grass on a football field just off Acre Road in Middleton.
Despite the hot weather that had been forecast that day, the animals had been secured inside the bag without any water and were reported to be dehydrated by the woman who found them and kindly took them home.
Both cats were taken by the RSPCA to its Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for assessment and treatment after the charity was contacted about the incident.
Anyone who recognises them is being urged to ring the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference 1089527.
RSPCA inspector Adam Dickinson, who is investigating, said: “Temperatures reached 28C in Leeds over the weekend so it really beggars belief that someone would deliberately abandon any animal in circumstances like this. If they hadn’t been found, there’s a real possibility they could have been overcome by the heat and suffered a very unpleasant death, and we’re very grateful to the kind member of the public who came to their aid.
“Although they were understandably bewildered and nervous by what had happened, they’re friendly, nice-natured cats and there’s no doubt they were once somebody’s pets.
“It’s sad and frustrating that people take this irresponsible course of action where there is help and support available, and we would urge those who are facing difficulties to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities.”
Both cats were given pain relief at the animal hospital but do not appear to have any obvious health issues. They are now being boarded at a private facility on behalf of the RSPCA and will be rehomed once they’ve completely recovered.
The charity’s officers are responding to an increasing number of abandoned pets as the cost of living crisis continues to bite – but the animal welfare charity has warned the public that dumping animals is never the answer.
In the first five months of 2023, 7,700 incidents of abandonment were reported to the RSPCA’s emergency line – a substantial increase compared to the same period last year when 7,024 incidents were reported.
As temperatures look set to remain high, the charity is also reminding people about the danger that hot weather can pose for a wide range of animals. The RSPCA’s website offers advice, tips and DIY video tutorials to help pet owners keep their furry and feathered friends cool and comfortable. They include:
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Have a go at making some frozen dog treats to keep your pooch cool
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Watch our video on how to keep cats cool in hot weather
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Don’t let your pet get sunburnt – use pet-safe sun cream.
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Ensure animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times. Keep guinea pigs cool and hydrated by making them a fresh vegetable treat
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Check small animals, poultry and other pets twice a day for flystrike.
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Keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight and top up water levels of ponds.
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For horses stabled during the day out of the heat, try making them our horse and pony boredom buster treat
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Wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on.
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Those with pet chickens can encourage them to stay in shaded areas by hanging up a homemade vegetable garland for chickens
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Leave a bowl of fresh drinking water in your garden for birds and other wildlife.
