Investigation after dead cat found in bin bag

An owner reportedly left a heavily-pregnant cat to die in a bin bag, an animal rescue centre has said.

Bosses at Little Paws Rescue, based in Clevedon, North Somerset, said an investigation has been launched after one of the "most horrific" incidents they have had to deal with.

They were called on Sunday after a member of the public found the dead cat on a popular walking route, called the 100 steps, in Hanham, South Gloucestershire.

Imogen Scofield, from Little Paws Rescue, said "heartbreakingly" the calico cat tried to claw her way out of the bag and went into labour after being dumped.

But due to the circumstances, none of the kittens survived, the animal charity said.

Ms Scofield continued: "It is the most upsetting thing we've had to witness, this poor cat didn't deserve to suffer like she did.

"There is help out there and they could have contacted a rescue [centre] like ourselves who would have helped."

Ms Scofield also confirmed the charity is asking people who live near the 100 steps to bring forward any CCTV from Sunday.

"The authorities are involved too, but we will do all we can to find out who did this," she added.

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