West Midlands sees 27 animals dumped within five days

Cats, hamsters and budgies all callously cast aside
 

14.11.11

We are appalled by the high number of animal abandonments within the space of five days in the West Midlands. A total of 27 animals were dumped in the region last week. Two of the animals were found dead, two are still at large and a further three sadly had to be put to sleep to end their suffering.

About the abandoned animals

Eight Persian cats 

Eight neglected Persian cats were discovered in a field on Packington Lane in the village of Meriden in Coventry on Saturday, 5 November.

There were two kittens, two juveniles and four adult cats, but sadly one of the kittens lost its struggle for survival. The kitten was already dead when found with its sibling huddled to its side for warmth.

The pedigree cats, which are of mixed colours and sex, were in an horrendous condition and are now recovering at our Birmingham Animal Hospital. RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Boris Lasserre is investigating.

Seven budgerigars 

Seven budgies were found on a grass verge by the side of the road in Cheltenham on Saturday, 5 November.

There was an adult bird which had sadly died, along with six fledglings that were no more than five months old.

Found near Notgrove Station, Notgrove, the birds were cold, wet, hungry and in great danger. RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Adrian Langley is investigating.

Six hamsters

Two days later, on Monday, 7 November, a bag containing six hamsters was tossed from a car on Holly Lane in Smethwick.

A witness saw a female driving a red Peugeot 206 car dump the bag.

One hamster escaped but the others were rescued and are now recovering in RSPCA care. RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Boris Lasserre is investigating.

Six young cats 

Six poorly young cats were discovered on a blanket in a layby on Scotland Lane in Birmingham later in the week on Wednesday, 9 November.

Five were rescued by Animal Collection Officer Simon Dix, but one black-and-white cat escaped.

The extremely thin cats were in poor condition and suffering from flu - three so severely that they had to be put to sleep to end their suffering.

The two surviving cats are currently receiving veterinary treatment at our Birmingham Animal Hospital. RSPCA Inspector Scott Vanes is investigating and is trying to locate the sixth cat.

'There is simply no excuse for such selfish acts of neglect'

Inspector Vanes said:

This is despicable behaviour and we must make it clear to anyone thinking of dumping a pet that it is a criminal offence to abandon any animal in a manner likely to cause suffering.

And let me be very clear - if you are going to dump a pet, by the side of a road, left to fend for itself, open to all sorts of dangers, then this animal is likely to suffer.

There is simply no excuse for such selfish acts of neglect. Animals are dying and being put through so much distress and pain because their owners aren't willing to take responsibility and act as a responsible pet owner should.

This cold, calculated and callous behaviour must stop.

 

Can you help?

We are appealing for information about all of the above abandonments.
 
If you have any any information at all, no matter how significant you think it might be, we'd really like to hear from you.

Please contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line, in confidence, on 0300 1234 999.

 

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Help and advice

If you are having difficulties looking after your pet, there are organisations that can help.

Our prioritising animals in need pages explain more, or you can contact our advice line - 0300 1234 555 - for more information.
 

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