An appeal has been launched after a cat was found abandoned and stuck in a crisp box in a County Durham alleyway.
The male tabby was discovered late on Friday (June 10) night in an alleyway at the back of Stephenson Street, Ferryhill, and was reported to the RSPCA.
Despite the animal being unharmed by his ordeal, RSPCA Inspector John Lawson, who attended the incident, says the box could have easily been driven over by a passing vehicle.
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A local resident took the cat into their home and then contacted the RSPCA, and he is now being cared for at one of the charity’s animal centres, where he has been named Stephen.
“Residents in the area heard miaowing coming from the alleyway and when they went outside found there was a cat inside this box. It was sellotaped shut, which would have been very distressing for the animal, although there was a small square opening at the top,” said Mr Lawson.
“The member of the public isn’t too keen on cats apparently, but they kindly went out to help this animal and then kept him in their lounge until we called.
“He is a real feisty, cheeky little fellow who likes to playfight, and he’s settled well this week in the care of the RSPCA.”
Stephen, who is around four months old and was not microchipped, has a distinctive white colouring on his chest and paws.
The RSPCA is concerned more animals, like him, are being given up and abandoned in the face of rising living costs, as well as by people heading back to work following lockdown and owners struggling to cope with pets they bought during the pandemic.
The RSPCA also recommends owners get their cats neutered at the earliest opportunity to prevent any unwanted litter.
It also benefits the health and wellbeing of the cat.
Mr Lawson added: “People should always assess their finances when considering pet ownership and seek help from the RSPCA if they are having difficulties. We always have a high influx of animals being abandoned at this time of year.
“You should never abandon your cat, and this was also a poor location to do so as vehicles driving down the alleyway would just have seen a cardboard box.
“We would ask anyone who may have seen anything in this area of Ferryhill on the evening of Friday, June 10 to contact us.
“They may also have heard someone gloating about doing this as a cruel prank.”
Anyone with any information can ring the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
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