Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has renewed its call for tougher cruelty sentences after rescuing a kitten tied up in a plastic bag and left to die on a busy road.
Staff at the charity’s Old Windsor centre were shocked when they were asked to take in Bryn, who had been discarded on a busy road in Slough.
When he was found, the six-week old was malnourished with a visibly protruding spine and was covered in fleas and lice, as well as suffering from cat flu.
A member of the public discovered the tiny kitten by chance and took him to a nearby veterinary clinic where he received medical treatment and had most of his fur shaved off before being taken to Battersea’s centre to continue his recovery.
After two weeks of loving care with one of Battersea’s foster carers and lots of naps with his favourite toy, a cuddly seal twice his size, Bryn had transformed into a lively, affectionate kitten and was ready to go to a new home with his family in Kent.
Lindsey Quinlan, Head of Catteries at Battersea, said: “This kitten’s story is truly heart breaking. We have all been asking ourselves what kind of person could be so cruel to such a young defenceless animal.
“Fortunately, Bryn was rescued before it was too late and we hope he will now live a long and happy life with his new family. One of the most shocking things about Bryn’s story is that under current laws, the harshest punishment the person who severely neglected such a young animal would face is still only six months in jail. Animals like Bryn are the reason we’re campaigning for animal cruelty sentences to be increased.”
Ahead of the General Election, Battersea has set out its own manifesto with twelve animal welfare priorities for a new Parliament, including tougher animal cruelty sentences.
The charity is also running a poll for the public to vote which animal welfare issues they think the next government should prioritise.
You can find out more about the manifesto or have your say on the issues on the website – www.battersea.org.uk/batterseas-general-election-manifesto-brighter-future-dogs-and-cats.
