A cat has been found dumped in a pet carrier by the side of the road. The cat was discovered on Sunday the 4th of May). The RSPCA said the pet may not have been dumped by his owners. The black cat was found in Pipewell, near Kettering, by a passing motorist. He had been left in the upside down cream and grey cat carrier at the side of Oakley Road. It is believed the cat, now named Oakley by RSPCA inspectors, was left sometime during Sunday morning. RSPCA chief inspector Jim Lucas is considering several possibilities including that the cat may not have been abandoned by his owner. He said: "This cat is a large un-neutered older cat and may well have been making a nuisance of himself somewhere." "It is perfectly plausible a disgruntled neighbour or gardener may have taken it upon themselves to remove him from the area." "Whatever happened, people need to be aware that it is illegal to steal a cat or to cause it to suffer in any way." Each year, the RSPCA picks up thousands of cats which have no collar, tag or microchip. Many of these cats may have owners who never find out what happened to their pet. Microchipping is one of the best ways of permanently identifying your pet and means that the chances of them being returned to you are greatly increased. The RSPCA also recommends neutering pets to prevent unwanted litters of kittens. The charity's Northampton branch is currently offering, in conjunction with PDSA Vetsavers, free cat neutering for those owners on state benefits in the Northampton area, with a compulsory microchip fitting for just £5. The branch can help towards the costs of neutering in other areas of the county. Please call 01604-717137 for more details. Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine. The RSPCA is appealing for Oakley's owners to come forward, as well as witnesses to the abandonment. Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300-1234-999. |
