A mummy cat dies with her unborn kittens after being dumped alive in a bin bag and hurled down stairs.
A horrified walker stumbled upon the dead, pregnant moggy.
She had been thrown or kicked down a set of concrete steps.
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Bosses at Little Paws Rescue, based in Clevedon, North Somerset, said an investigation has been launched.
They called it the “most horrific” case they have had to deal with.
It happened on a popular walking route, called the 100 steps, in Hanham, South Gloucestershire, on Sunday (27 April).
Imogen Scofield, from Little Paws Rescue, said “heartbreakingly” the calico cat had tried to claw her way out of the bag and went into labour after being dumped.
But due to the circumstances, none of the kittens survived.
“It’s a well-known busy walking route called the 100 steps so lots of people would have seen it today with the warm weather,” a spokesperson for Little Paws told Need To Know.
“Instead, not one person decided to investigate until a kind lady was brave enough to this evening, after she saw a trail of litter from the bag where she sadly discovered a deceased cat and a dirty litter tray with used litter covering her.
The pregnant cat that was found. (Jam Press/Little Paws Rescue)
“When we arrived though we were shocked to see she was heavily pregnant and was clearly alive when she was in the bag.
“She had been kicked or thrown down 30 to 40 concrete steps before being left in the rubbish bag injured, terrified and then in labour.
“She had tried to claw her way out but was too weak and had no oxygen left, so horrifically died along with her unborn kittens.
“She of course wasn’t chipped either.
“We are absolutely sickened that someone would do this.
“If anyone knows the person who did this, recognises the cat or has any information please message us.
“We will be reporting to authorities.
“This person needs to pay for what they’ve done to this poor cat and her babies.”
Elsewhere, in Lancashire, a litter of newborn kittens with their umbilical cords still attached were found dumped in a bin.
The kittens had been wrapped in a blanket and put inside a Tesco shopping bag.
They were discovered at around 11.30pm on 17 April after a member of the public heard noises coming from a bin next to a wooded area.
The kittens, who were only around two to three days old, would have died if they hadn’t been found when they were, the RSPCA said.
An RSPCA fosterer is now caring for them.
The charity says it is also concerned about the welfare of their mum and is appealing for anyone with information about the incident to get in touch.
A paw of the pregnant cat who died. (Jam Press/Little Paws Rescue)
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Mike Man said: “Thankfully the kittens were heard by a woman who stopped to investigate and we’d like to thank her for coming to their aid.
“Being so young the kittens were very vulnerable and they would have perished if they hadn’t been found, so this was an extremely callous course of action.
“We’re also very concerned about the health and wellbeing of their mother who has given birth and been separated from her babies.
“Sadly, we see many upsetting incidents like this, largely due to cats having unexpected and unplanned litters which then prove to be too much time, effort and money.
“It’s always a sad and depressing sight to see very young animals left in circumstances like this.
“Thanks to the team at our Southport Branch, these kittens now have a brighter future ahead of them.”
With the rising cost of living, the RSPCA has urged cat owners to plan ahead, make sure they are registered with a vet, explore whether local charities can offer neutering vouchers in their area and take out pet insurance to help cover unexpected costs.
Over 20,000 cats are rescued by the RSPCA every year which, along with other cat and veterinary organisations, has long highlighted the importance of neutering as part of responsible pet ownership.
The charity sees a peak in cats coming into its care between May and September – when most babies are born.
For the cat population to be controlled, the timing of neutering as well as the overall number of cats neutered is critical.
Neutering also means cats lead healthier, happier lives, the charity said.
An RSPCA spokesperson added: “This is because neutered cats, especially males, are less likely to roam far from home or get into fights with other felines, both of which can increase their risk of injury or picking up illnesses.
“If you find a small pet who has been abandoned, please take them directly to a local vet or rescue centre who can then call in the expertise of RSPCA teams if there’s evidence that the animal has been neglected or abused.
“There’s more information on how to safely handle and transport an animal on the RSPCA website.”
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