RSPCA appeal after dead kitten found in abandoned sandbag in West Yorkshire

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a kitten with neck injuries was found dead in a sandbag in woodland in West Yorkshire.

It's the fourth time a deceased cat has been found in suspicious circumstances at Black Carr Woods in Pudsey.

The latest incident, which has been reported to the RSPCA, involved a female tortoiseshell kitten who was found by a dog walker on a path near the Ned Lane entrance on Tuesday 30 January. 

The kitten, who's thought to have been around four months old, had been placed in a reusable Christmas bag from The Works and then left in a white sandbag. She was taken by the finder to the PDSA in Bradford, where wounds on both sides of her neck and signs of trauma in her mouth were noted.

The same dog walker is also said to have found two dead adult cats in the same location last summer and one in October. One of them, which was also taken to the PDSA, had a wound to the midriff area.

The RSPCA has said the incidents are extremely concerning and has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Hannah Williams has been to the area and made enquiries. The local council has also been informed.

She said: "It appears that someone is deliberately going out of their way to go to this area, walk along a quiet footpath and then cruelly discard their unwanted pets and we don't know if they are alive at the time or already dead - but it's obviously disturbing. We're extremely concerned about how this little kitten may have sustained her injuries, as well as the welfare of her mum, possible siblings and other cats that may also belong to the person or people who are doing this. 

"The fact it's happened before at this location leads us to believe the incidents may be linked, but we need people with first-hand information to help us. Does anyone recognise the bags, seen suspicious activity in the area or have first-hand information that could help us? If so, please get in touch as a matter of urgency."

People with information which could help the RSPCA's investigation can call 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 01216628.

This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday. To mark this special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals' lives.