Four new born kittens found dumped in Penwortham litter bin

An RSPCA fosterer is caring for four kittens who were dumped in a Tesco shopping bag in a litter bin in Penwortham with their umbilical cords still attached.

They were discovered at around 11.30pm on Thursday, 17 April after a member of the public heard noises coming from a bin next to a wooded area on Hill Road South between Stricklands Lane and Abbot Meadow.

The kittens, who were only around two to three days old, had been wrapped in a blanket and would have died if they hadn’t been found when they were, the RSPCA said.

The charity says it is also concerned about the welfare of their mum and is appealing for anyone with information about the incident to get in touch.

The kittens were taken home by the person who found them and then collected by RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Mike Man.

They were examined at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital and then placed with an experienced fosterer from the charity’s Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch.

The three females and one male are all receiving round-the-clock care and have been described as thriving as a result of the care they have received.

Enquiries and checks for CCTV have been carried out by the RSPCA in the local area.

Mike said: “Thankfully the kittens were heard by a woman who stopped to investigate and we’d like to thank her for coming to their aid. Being so young the kittens were very vulnerable and they would have perished if they hadn’t been found, so this was an extremely callous course of action.

“We’re also very concerned about the health and wellbeing of their mother who has given birth and been separated from her babies.

“Sadly, we see many upsetting incidents like this, largely due to cats having unexpected and unplanned litters which then prove to be too much time, effort and money. It’s always a sad and depressing sight to see very young animals left in circumstances like this.”

“Thanks to the team at our Southport Branch, these kittens now have a brighter future ahead of them.”

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 123 8018 quoting reference number 01496008.

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