THE RSPCA is appealing for information after an elderly and skinny cat was thrown out of a bright orange van and abandoned in Warwick.
A member of the public witnessed the incident on Sunday morning (October 23) just after 10.30am. They saw a bright orange van, believed to be a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 15 registration plate, pull up in Woodville Road on the corner of Paradise Street.
A man dressed in blue and white striped pyjamas then got out of the van and threw the cat onto the pavement before driving off and leaving her.
The RSPCA was contacted and Inspector Nicola Johnson came to rescue the cat and take her for some much-needed care and treatment.
The black and white female cat was named Socks by the member of the public who found her because of her little white feet. Sadly, Socks is very thin and she isn’t microchipped.
Nicola said: “This poor elderly cat was callously thrown out of a van and abandoned on the corner of the street on Sunday morning.
“She was lucky that someone spotted her and came to her rescue straight away before calling us. She’s in a poor state and would have been very frightened by her ordeal.
“The man who abandoned her was driving a bright orange van which certainly stands out so we’re keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the van, or who may have any information at all which could help our investigation.”
Nicola continued: “We know that times are really tough at the moment with the cost of living crisis and sadly more and more people are struggling to afford to keep their pets but it’s heartbreaking to see animals being abandoned in this way. We would urge anyone who is struggling to please reach out for help from friends or family, or charities. It is never acceptable to simply abandon an animal like this.”
Socks is recovering at a nearby RSPCA animal centre and won’t be ready for rehoming yet. However, the charity has already received lots of support from the local community.
Nicola added: “This is a tight knit community who have all banded together to try and help this poor cat. I think they are all really shocked that something like this has happened on their doorstep. I hope that once Socks is back on her paws, she will find the second chance at happiness which she really deserves.”
Anyone with information is asked call the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line, in strictest confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
