An injured cat, accompanied by her four kittens, was discovered in a distressing state in a layby adjacent to the busy A1079 Hull Road in Dunswell, East Yorkshire. The RSPCA, who responded to the incident, suspects a potential case of abandonment.
The distressed feline family was found huddled amidst undergrowth and debris by a concerned passerby, Shane Maddison, near Hull. Upon examination, X-rays revealed that the mother cat had sustained severe injuries, including a broken hip and leg.
RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber commented on the situation, stating, “She is a very friendly cat, and it was clear she was not feral and has been owned.” The circumstances surrounding the cat’s condition remained uncertain. “We don’t know whether she was hit by a car and then gave birth to her kittens among the rubbish at the side of the layby after limping across for shelter, or if she was dumped there having already been injured,” Inspector Barber added.
The incident took place on September 22, and thanks to the swift response of veterinary professionals, the mother cat’s leg was saved, and she is currently on a path to recovery. Laura Barber extended her gratitude to Shane Maddison and the individuals who stopped to assist in rescuing the distressed feline family. She acknowledged the challenges faced during the lengthy rescue operation as one of the kittens momentarily evaded capture.
Relatives of Mr. Maddison have taken charge of caring for the mother cat and her kittens. The mother cat, named Luna, is accompanied by her four kittens: Boo, Daphne, Pumpkin, and Fred.
The RSPCA is actively dealing with a growing number of abandonment incidents, with 1,969 such incidents reported in September alone. In response to this concerning trend, the animal charity has initiated an appeal to the public. Anyone with information about how these cats came to be abandoned in the layby is urged to come forward. The RSPCA is committed to investigating and addressing cases of abandonment to ensure the welfare of animals in distress.
