Sick kittens found dumped in food waste bin in Southsea

The tiny animals were discovered in Lorne Road on Saturday after a man returned home and found them in the bin outside his home.

RSPCA inspector Hannah Nixon said: ‘The man returned home on Saturday afternoon and noticed that his food waste bin had been knocked over and locked shut. He lifted it up and looked inside to find two kittens asleep.

‘The tiny black kittens are around five weeks old and both have cat flu.

‘They required urgent veterinary treatment and are certainly far too young to be away from their mum.’

The kittens - now named Barney and Fran - had discharge around their eyes and were taken to a nearby vet for treatment.

Soon they will be taken to the Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter before staff start to look for a new home for them.

Hannah said: ‘They’re very friendly and even litter trained so, once they’ve recovered from the flu, I’m sure they won’t have to wait long to find new homes.

‘I’d also like to find out who is responsible for abandoning them in such an irresponsible manner. If they’d not been spotted they could have easily ended up in a refuse lorry where they could have been killed. They’re incredibly lucky that they were found.

‘I’m also concerned for the welfare of their mum and any other littermates that may be missing them so would urge anyone who recognises them or knows where they may have come from to contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.’