Five kittens rescued from household recycling bin

Five kittens, thought to be about one week old, have been rescued from a household recycling bin by refuse collectors.

The bin workers spotted the kittens on a cardboard box near the top of a bin as it was being collected during their round on Cove Road, Farnborough.

The kittens, who were unharmed, were taken to a nearby vets and then into the care of the RSPCA.

The charity said the resident who had put the bin out for collection "was horrified" when they were told the kittens had been dumped inside.

RSPCA inspector Leanna Hone said: “We are investigating the circumstances of this cruel abandonment.

"It is frightening to think what could have happened to these young kittens had they not been spotted by the refuse collectors.

"There wasn't any sound of miaowing, but the bin was quite full so the cats were lying on a cardboard box near the top and were fortunately spotted as the bin was being picked up on the round."

Ms Horne said the charity was also worried about the kittens' mother and urged anyone with information to get in touch.

The kittens, named Morel, Magpie, Molly, Penny and Saffron by RSPCA staff, were found on 26 September.

Since their rescue, the RSPCA said all the kittens were doing well and their eyes were beginning to open.

Meanwhile, it is urging owners who find themselves with an unexpected litter of kittens which they are unable to care for to ask for help and not abandon them.

It said support was available for those who are struggling via the RSPCA's cost of living hub.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.