Pet owner plea as box of kittens dumped in car park

PRESS RELEASE           

6 April 2010

Pet owner plea as boxes of kittens dumped in car park

Staff at The Blue Cross animal charity are today urging pet owners to take responsibility for their animals and get them neutered after two cardboard boxes full of unwanted cats and kittens were abandoned outside the charity’s animal adoption centre in Watcombe, Torquay last week. 

Two sealed cardboard boxes were left in the car park of the centre and two adult cats managed to break out, leaving behind one further adult cat and eleven tiny kittens that were taken in by The Blue Cross.  Unfortunately the remaining cat was not their mother of the kittens, many of which were only a few weeks old and very hungry, so they were bottle-fed around the clock by centre staff.  The mother was later tracked down by centre manager Tim Sillis, along with the other adult cat, and thankfully reunited with her kittens.

Tim Sillis, manager of The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Torbay said: “It’s heartbreaking when animals are abandoned, particularly when they are so small and vulnerable.  These kittens wouldn’t have survived long without their mother so it was lucky we found them so quickly.  I can understand that some people can struggle to look after their pets but please contact us to make sure we can take them in safely rather than dumping them.  We will never judge someone for making a responsible decision for their animal.”

In 2009, a huge number of kittens were born in the Torbay area and many people found they were unable to sell them or find them homes, leading to record numbers being abandoned or handed into rescue centres like The Blue Cross.  The Torbay centre took in 418 cats and kittens last year and found loving new homes for 401 of these, all of which were neutered to prevent any further unwanted pets.  The charity is now urging all cat owners to neuter their animals to prevent the same problems reoccurring this year. 

Tim continued: “Last year there was an alarming number of kittens dumped in this area and we took in a record number of unwanted litters.  Please help us reduce abandoned and unwanted pets by neutering your animals.  Everyone loves kittens but it is not always easy to find homes for them and in the meantime the costs can add up very quickly.” 

The Blue Cross is now appealing for loving new homes for two of the abandoned adult cats and six of the older kittens, who are thought to be around three months old.  Flint, Frodo, Flossy, Foster and Fraggle are a little timid after their ordeal but are quickly starting to show their cheeky and affectionate nature.  They can be rehomed on their own or in pairs.  The other kittens will start their search for homes when they reach nine weeks old and can be parted from their mother. 

If you can offer a second chance in life to one of these adorable kittens or cats, please contact The Blue Cross animal adoption centre at Ashley Priors Lane, Watcombe, Torquay, TQ1 4SE by phoning 01803 327 738 or emailing torbay@bluecross.org.uk.  The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so it relies on local animal lovers for support.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Torbay has been caring for homeless cats and kittens in South Devon and East Cornwall since 1987.  It was built on the site of a private boarding cattery that was bequeathed to the charity and can accommodate up to 50 cats and kittens at at time.

The centre is located on the Teignmouth Road between Torquay and Maidencombe opposite Brunel Manor.  It is closed on Wednesdays but open every other day between 10.30am and 4.00pm, including bank holidays.

The Blue Cross provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.    

Media contact

Laura Dobson, The Blue Cross press office, 07917 132 698, laura.dobson@bluecross.org.uk