Kittens rescued from 'filthy' rabbit hutch

Kittens rescued from a "filthy" rabbit hutch are in need of a new home, the RSPCA has said.

Officers were called to the garden of a property in Bradford in October, after members of the public raised concerns about the kittens.

Four kittens were discovered without food or water in a hutch which was covered in urine and faeces, with an old paint point holding it shut.

Having had no luck contacting the owner, the RSPCA took in the kittens, saying they had since "blossomed and thrived".

The kittens, now 14 weeks old, have been named Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Basil and Pepper.

Due to Cinnamon having a heart murmur and undergoing tests, it is her three siblings who are in need of a new home.

Ruth Vaughan, from RSPCA Hollingworth Lake Animal Centre, run by the Rochdale branch, said: "The kittens are doing really well and are very playful and sweet.

"We’d love to find them homes in pairs or they could go individually if they’ll get socialisation in the home with an existing cat."

She said although they had not had the best start in life, the RSPCA hoped they would have a "fresh start just in time for Christmas".

RSPCA figures showed there was a "rehoming crisis" in England and Wales, with 42% more animals arriving in 2023 than were adopted.

It has now launched a "Join the Christmas Rescue" campaign to help boost adoption numbers.

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