The RSPCA is appealing for information after two cats were abandoned in a cat carrier in the woods in Nottinghamshire.
The two female cats, one grey and one tabby were discovered in a carrier in a wooded area of the Maun Valley Trail just off New Mill Lane in Mansfield Woodhouse on Wednesday 10 June.
A member of the public spotted the carrier and saw that there were two young cats inside, so they brought the cats home before contacting the RSPCA for help.
RSPCA Inspector Michael Darling, who took the moggies to an RSPCA centre for care, is now appealing for information.
He said: “These cats had been abandoned in a cat carrier in quite remote, wooded area late at night, so they were very lucky they were found when they were. They were left without food or water and would have been extremely vulnerable.
“We understand that people’s situations can change which may mean they can no longer care for their pets but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this. We would always urge anyone who is struggling to please reach out for help from friends and family, or charities like ourselves. If anyone has any information about how these cats came to be abandoned contact me on the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The cats were both wearing striking fluorescent yellow collars and thankfully were uninjured and healthy. They were not microchipped and so far no owner has been found so the pair are now receiving some much needed TLC by staff and volunteers at the RSPCA.
Dermot Murphey, head of the RSPCA rescue teams said: “We have received nearly 3,000 reports (2984) of abandoned animals across England and Wales since lockdown began – that’s an average of almost 40 a day.
“Although lockdown is gradually being eased, sadly there are still thousands of animals who need our help, including abandoned pets. Many people are finding their pets are a real source of comfort in these anxious times and thankfully cases of abandonment are slightly lower than usual but its heart-breaking that some animals are being dumped during this crisis.”
The RSPCA is urging pet-owners to make an emergency pet-care plan should they be admitted to hospital with Coronavirus, including placing a poster in the window, informing people that there are pets inside.
