Dead Kitten Left on Chatsworth Gardens Doorstep

RSPCA suspects death was not accidental

The small cat was inside a carrier. Picture: RSPCA

The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after a deceased kitten was found in disturbing circumstances on a doorstep in Acton, prompting an investigation into what officers believe may be a case of non-accidental injury.

A resident of Chatsworth Gardens made the discovery on Thursday morning (3 September) after opening their front door and initially mistaking a cat carrier on the step for a parcel. Inside the carrier was a tightly knotted black bin bag containing a white carrier bag, and within that a white-and-tabby short-haired kitten wrapped in a pair of women’s shorts. The kitten was not microchipped and was not wearing a collar.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie Barnes-Wilson, who attended the scene which is at the rear of Acton Police Station, found the kitten had suffered multiple injuries. According to the charity, these included two lumps on the tail which may indicate fractures, significant injuries to the paws, and nails on both rear paws cut extremely short and covered in blood. The kitten also had facial injuries, including a broken canine tooth, scratches and bruising around the nose, and severe haemorrhaging and swelling to one eye.

Ellie described the case as “extremely upsetting and distressing”, adding: “We are keen to establish what happened to the little cat, and how she came to be left in this location.” She urged anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area on the evening of Wednesday 2 September or the early hours of the following day to come forward.

The charity is asking residents to check CCTV, doorbell cameras and any other security footage, stressing that even clips that appear insignificant could help piece together what happened. Anyone with first-hand information is asked to contact the RSPCA Inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01896009.

The appeal comes as the RSPCA highlights a sharp rise in cruelty reports. As part of its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign, the charity has released new figures showing that in June, July and August last year it received 6,322 cruelty calls — the equivalent of one every ten minutes — compared with 3,852 during the same period in 2021, a 64% increase in five years.

The charity says the summer months are consistently its busiest period for cruelty investigations and is urging the public to remain vigilant and report concerns promptly.

The RSPCA recently launched its Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues fundraising campaign which coincides with the charity’s busiest time as cruelty reports peak over summer.