Search for
Search for
Search forHeartless owners put these Croydon cats out to die
Monday, August 18, 2008, 07:00
But sadly our article appears to have only made the problem worse – as now even more cats have been dumped.
After our story four kind-hearted cat-lovers came forward to offer to look after one of the homeless pets at Croydon Animal Samaritans' base.
However, it seems to have alerted others to the sanctuary's existence – and another 13 moggies have been dumped on its doorstep.
Barbara Allen, who runs the sanctuary in Pampisford Road, South Croydon, can't believe the latest events.
She said: "It just keeps getting worse. We had two mother cats and their kittens dumped on Tuesday afternoon.
"We have to take them because we are too worried it will only intensify the problem if they are left to wander and have more kittens."
Croydon Animal Samaritans will now have to find space for an extra nine cats and kittens, even though the cattery is full to capacity with 36 felines, another 30 on a waiting list and 40 more with foster families.
The latest dumped cats include an unwanted litter of six kittens found wandering aimlessly around a crumbling cardboard box in Norwood Park by Louella John, of South Norwood.
She said: "My dog Wooster found them near a bush. Their box had become damp in the rain. I managed to catch four but another two were too timid and are still wandering about somewhere.
"There was no sign of the mother. They had clearly been dumped.
"They had been well looked after as if to sell but the same people couldn't be bothered to take them to a shelter and just dumped them in the park for foxes to get."
Of the four recovered, Miss John took one and another was homed on Tuesday, leaving two – Salt and Pepper – waiting for kind-hearted owners to be found for them.
The credit crunch is being blamed for the sudden surge in unwanted pets as greedy owners attempt to breed their cats for easy cash.
Mrs Allen said: "People see pet shops selling kittens for £100 each and try their luck with their own cats. They end up being left in sanctuaries or just discarded outside. The situation in Croydon is dreadful and is definitely the worst I've seen in a decade.
"I wish people would think twice about letting their cats have kittens or call the Cats Consortium on 0207 607 1723. They offer a free neutering service."
Anyone wanting to give a cat or kitten a home should call Barbara at Croydon Animal Samaritans on 020 8688 6568.
SALT AND PEPPER: These two kittens are looking for a home after being dumped in a cardboard box in Norwood Park
Be the first to comment