Charity 'drowning' in abandoned cats and kittens

An animal charity says it is overwhelmed at the number of kittens, unneutered cats and strays that are currently being abandoned at its centre.

The numbers coming in to the Coventry's branch of the RSPCA is a lot higher than the same period last year, up by 59%, the charity says - and in the past two weeks alone there have been three separate cases of animals being abandoned at their Allesley site.

Manager Lorraine Bryan-Arnold told BBC CWR that the centre had been at capacity for months, but despite this, baskets full of kittens and cats were still being dropped off.

"We have no room, we are completely overflowing and I feel like we are drowning to be honest," Bryan-Arnold added.

Bryan-Arnold said it was a national problem as she had received calls from RSPCA centres as far away as Sheffield, asking if the Coventry site had any space for abandoned animals at their site.

The situation was "really overwhelming" and the main problem was the animals not being neutered, she said, as well as people not thinking before getting one if they could afford it.

Bryan-Arnold urged anyone who had a cat or a kitten to get them neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and lower the risk of serious illnesses.

"Please neuter, phone us for advice, and do not buy cats or kittens off the internet," she said.

"They have not had any checks. I would advise adopting from a rescue centre where they have been neutered, treated for fleas and microchipped."

A cardboard box full of five kittens and their mum were left at the driveway of the centre in the most recent case of abandoned pets, and since then there have been four incidents where people have come in with baskets.

It was "very distressing" to see animals dumped, especially overnight, Bryan-Arnold said and she praised her staff who "really care about the animals and work out of hours for free".

The charity said that it could still provide help to people who were wanting to give up their animals but were waiting for a space.

"Anybody can come to us, we are not going to judge you but come early and we will give you time and options – and please, neuter cats," the manager added.

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