The RSPCA has launched an investigation after two tiny kittens were found abandoned in a crate on a doorstep near Victoria Park, Hackney.
A resident discovered the frightened kittens around 9am on 18 July, on Ruthven Street. They had been left inside a damp grey and white cat carrier, with a plastic bag placed on top, and no access to food or water.
The kittens—one ginger, one black—were taken to the RSPCA’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, where they are now receiving care.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Nicola Thomas, who is leading the investigation, said: “These were tiny, defenceless kittens who must have been terrified—dumped without their mother, food, or water, and exposed to the heat.
“We urge anyone who saw anything suspicious around Ruthven Street last Friday morning to come forward. It’s a busy area near Victoria Park, and someone may have spotted the carrier being dropped off or carried.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and quote incident number 01579363
This comes as the RSPCA is currently braced for an influx of kittens between May and September when there is a huge peak in cat breeding and the majority of kittens are born. Sadly, as a result, unexpected litters of kittens often end up abandoned or given up and coming into rescue centres.
The charity recorded 27,853 incidents about cats in need last year (14,568 between May and September) and shockingly, of these reports 7,879 concerned abandoned cats. So far this year, the charity has already received nearly 3,000 reports of abandoned cats and they expect this to rise significantly as the breeding season gets underway.
Alice Potter, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Kitten season is typically the time of year when most kittens are born and as a charity we see an influx of cats coming into our care as a result. With the cost of living crisis putting an extra strain on people’s finances we’re concerned that we may see more cats than ever in need of help at a time when our centres are already full-to-bursting. This is why we have issued an urgent plea to the public to help us tackle the cat overpopulation crisis by ensuring they’re neutering their cats, by helping local stray cats, fostering or volunteering for a rescue and if they are looking to bring a cat into their homes to make sure they adopt don’t shop.”
If you come across a dumped cat or kittens, the fastest way to help is to take them directly to a vet. They can treat the animals and alert the RSPCA if needed.
If you believe an animal has been abandoned at a property, please call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999
To help the RSPCA continue its rescue and rehabilitation work the charity is calling on the public to support its Summer Cruelty Appeal and choosing to donate.”
