Twenty-six cats found dumped in sealed boxes in a Birmingham alleyway

Twenty-six cats and kittens were found dumped in boxes beside rubbish in a Birmingham alleyway, some of them in sealed plastic boxes and struggling to breathe.

A member of the public found the animals in the middle of the day on 30 September, in an alley on Hawthorn Road near a bakery. He moved most of them into carriers and called the RSPCA, which has launched an investigation.

"An incredibly cruel way to treat defenceless cats"

Paul Nijjar, an RSPCA animal rescue officer, said: "This was clearly a distressing discovery. Twenty-six cats and kittens, with some shut in sealed plastic boxes. The finder said when he came across them, many were lethargic and appeared to be struggling to breathe in the boxes."

"They were all underweight and had a significant flea burden. This is an incredibly cruel way to treat defenceless cats and kittens. We know people are struggling, but there are ways to get help."

He thanked the man who found them for getting them help as quickly as possible, and said the charity was reviewing CCTV from the area.

Recovering

Two of the cats, now named Mauve and Mr Gold, were treated at Birmingham Animal Hospital for heavy flea burdens, anaemia and dehydration, and are said to be improving. The other 24 are recovering in RSPCA care.

A growing problem

The discovery came just six days after six kittens were found abandoned in a crate on Metchley Drive. The RSPCA says it has seen a 67 per cent increase in rescues involving several cats at once in just one year.

"Cat owners who neuter their cats from four months of age will help to tackle this surge in unwanted pets," Mr Nijjar said. "Kittens can become pregnant themselves as early as four months, which is why booking an appointment with a vet for early neutering is so important."

Where to get help

Animal charities say anyone who can no longer care for a pet should ask for help rather than abandon it. Options include contacting the RSPCA, Cats Protection or a local rescue centre, and some charities offer low-cost neutering and vaccinations for owners on low incomes. Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Can you help?

Anyone with information about the abandoned cats should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01915832.

Once they have recovered, many of the cats are likely to be put up for adoption. People interested in giving a rescue cat a home can find animals looking for owners on the websites of the RSPCA and other rescue charities in and around Birmingham.

A cost of living link

Rescue centres across the country have reported rising numbers of pets being given up or abandoned, as the cost of food, vet bills and housing puts pressure on owners. Charities urge anyone considering getting a pet to think carefully about the long-term costs first.