A FAMILY of ‘flea-ridden’ cats were dumped on Saturday on the driveway at Coventry Animal Centre which is already at ‘full capacity’ and has a long list of pet owners waiting for help, most in desperate situations.
The man dropped off the pet carrier with the mum and kittens inside around 4pm before disappearing from view.
Dave Budd, deputy manager of the centre, which is run by the RSPCA Coventry and District, said: “Despite our reception being open at this time, a man appeared to hide until a member of staff walked away from the area and then ran away after dropping the carrier.
“We cannot operate on a system where people suddenly dump animals on us. Our cattery is full and so are our foster spaces.
“Thankfully, one of our experienced members of staff looked after the cats on Saturday night and sought advice from a vet but, sadly, one of the little kittens passed away.”
RSPCA centres across England and Wales are mostly full due to an increase in demand for rescue spaces, thought to have been caused by the worsening cost-of-living crisis.
New figures released by the charity also show the number of animals being abandoned – like the Coventry cats – has risen by 18 per cent from 2020 to 2021 with a further 24 per cent increase in the first part of 2022.
The cats were all covered in fleas but are now receiving treatment. The mum – named Trinity – is underweight but is feeding well and staff feel she’s starting to perk up.
Dave said: “She adores the kittens and rarely lets them roam far from her. Madison and Navey are doing well and, although they’re nervous of people, they’re coming around slowly.”
He thanked everyone who has donated to help the centre care for the young family and those who have offered foster spaces.
“We couldn’t do the vital work we do without the amazing support from the local community;” Dave added.
“We will work with people in all situations but we cannot create spaces we simply don’t have at our centre.
“We’re suffering the same pressures every other rescue in the country is currently facing. Please don’t abandon animals on our doorstep; speak to us if you are in need and we will try our best to assist you.”
The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index has found 68 per cent of people are concerned the cost of care is increasing and 19 per cent are worried about how they will afford to feed their pets.
Anyone who can help with the RSPCA Coventry’s Facebook fund-raiser for the family of cats can click here to donate.
