The RSPCA is appealing for information after a kitten was reportedly thrown out of a moving vehicle.
The incident happened in Welling, in the London Borough of Bexley, at the junction of Burns Close and Chaucer Road on Friday 31 October at around 7.40pm.
A member of the public witnessed a small cat being hurled out of a dark-coloured car with silver trim on the roof. The tabby-and-white kitten appeared to be struggling to stand on its back legs after landing on the road.
Tragically, the tiny kitten was later found dead on the pavement.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Brian Milligan, who attended the scene, said: “This was a really distressing and upsetting discovery.
“From what we’ve been told, it appears that the poor kitten was alive when it was allegedly thrown from the car, then possibly injured during the incident, and subsequently run over.
“The kitten must have been terrified as this was happening, and this was clearly a tragic ending to this young cat’s life.”
The kitten, thought to be under six months old, had no microchip and its injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Due to the kitten’s injuries, the sex is unclear.
The charity is now urging anyone living in the Chaucer Road or Burns Close area, who may have doorbell or security camera footage between Friday 31 October from around 7.30pm and Saturday 1 November, to come forward to help with their investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01669426.
Brian added: “If someone no longer wants their pet, there are many safe and responsible options available – abandoning or harming an animal is never acceptable.”
If you find yourself unable to care for a pet, you can contact your local rescue centre, vet or the RSPCA for advice and support.
RSPCA frontline rescuers are currently doing all they can to help animals experiencing the very worst cruelty and neglect – including those who have tragically been left to fend for themselves – while our incredible animal centres are finding new homes for countless rescued animals each year.
Sadly, incidents of animal abandonment being reported to the RSPCA are on course to be at a six-year high. That’s why this winter, the charity has launched The Big Give Back to Animals to raise vital funds for their frontline teams, and to ensure they can keep being there for the animals who give us so much, and ask for so little in return.
