COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Animal charity staff have spoken of their heartbreak after cats were abandoned in a nearby field.



And employees and volunteers at the Coventry, Nuneaton and District RSPCA Centre fear that there is still a cat somewhere out there alone following the callous act which happened in a farmer's field on Friday.

"On Friday a local farmer arrived concerned that a cat had been dumped just half-a-mile from the animal centre in the farmer's gate way," explained centre manager Glenn Mayoll.

"We drove down to the gateway just minutes from the centre to discover two boxes just inside the field.

"After a brief search a cat was discovered petrified and clinging to a nearby fence near to where the felines had been dumped."

Mr Mayoll added: 'When we spotted the poor boy we were cautious we may spook him, however he was desperate for human contact and reassurance. The moment I was able to get near to him he clung to me for dear life straight away responding to the fuss and attention.

"This is obviously a lovely, friendly cat who craves human company which makes it all the more heart-breaking the way in which they were dumped with the chance they may never have been found.

"It appears they broke out of the makeshift carriers they had been placed in, thankfully."

Due to there being two boxes the centre staff can only assume there was more than one cat, which despite searching for, they were unable to find.

Deputy centre manager Lorraine Bryan added: "We will keep popping down to the area to see if we can see if there is another cat with the hope we may be able to catch him or her."

The RSPCA is appealing for information in regards to the dumping and anyone who thinks they may hold any information should call the national society on 0300 1234 999.

The team believe the cats were dumped overnight on Thursday on Coundon Wedge Drive.

In the meantime the rescued cat, newly named Felix, is at the centre receiving some much needed TLC.

The centre which is completely full has had to create a temporary pen for him in an office area, to make room.

Glenn Mayoll said: "The poor boy is suffering with a couple of health problems requiring eye drops and possibly an operation to correct problems with the skin around his eyes, but he is doing well and receiving lots of love from the centre team."

The independent RSPCA Coventry, Nuneaton and District Branch is continually at breaking point with the number of cats needing its help. It is currently caring for 50 of them. The centre is desperately appealing for help with donations to meet the costs of the growing problem.

Members of the public can donate by popping into the centre, by post to RSPCA Coventry, Nuneaton and District Branch, Coundon Wedge Drive, Coventry, CV5 9DQ, calling 024 7633 6616 or via its website http://www.rspca-coventryandnuneaton.org.uk