Kittens discovered dumped in plastic bag at river bank
Eight kittens that had been bundled into a plastic bag, knotted and dumped on a river bank on the outskirts of Ballinagh, have all been rehomed.
Concepta Lennon of Cavan SPCA describes the dumping incident, which occurred in late January as “bleak”, and suspects the person responsible may have originally intended to drown them.
“They must have brought the kittens there, and then didn't have the heart to do it,” she says, noting they still left them in a perilous position in a tied plastic bag. However, the stream on the south side of the town is popular with walkers so they may have hoped the well-nourished, healthy kittens would be found.
“Lucky enough somebody did come along before they suffocated.”
Volunteers estimate the kittens were then aged seven weeks old.
“They shouldn't even be away from the mother,” remarks Concepta who is treasurer of the animal welfare charity.
New owners were found for each kitten within weeks.
Two CSPCA volunteers who care for unwanted cats have been inundated with requests to take cats and kittens. At one stage earlier this year, a CSPCA member alone was caring for “over 40 cats” in her home. Due to lack of space, the volunteers regretably had to refuse to rehome any more, but that didn't deter people from offloading them on the CSPCA.
“They are not even bothering going up to speak to her,” says Concepta. “They are just dumping them on their lane. Not one morning does she go down the lane but there's a cat or kittens dumped in a box. And what do you do?”
Under pressure
Cavan SPCA continue to be under pressure, and as of Saturday Mach 6 they were caring for 19 dogs and 45 cats. To help alleviate the cat issue, the CSPCA is currently running a cat neutering week until March 12, offering spaying with participating vets at heavily reduced rates for those on means tested benefits. It is a timely event as cats are coming into season now.
Such spaying events add to CSPCA's financial burdens, as they are already covering the cost of food, veterinary fees, medicine, insurance, and accounts. In 2020 their outlays came to €79,000, and they receive no government assistance to meet this.
Due to the COVID-19 enforced closure of the CSPCA charity shop on Thomas Ashe Street, and the absence of fundraising events such as their church gate collection, they are down €26,000 in funds.
As such CSPCA are appealing to members of the public to make donations, or host fundraising events such as charity walks - mindful of the public health restrictions – in a bid to help cover the costs.
They would also welcome donations of pet food, and that can be arranged through contacting Concepta Lennon on 087-2035891.
To make a donation to Cavan SPCA you can transfer money directly into their PayPal account using the email address cavanspca@gmail.com or transfer money to their bank account: Ulster Bank, BIC: ULSBIE2D, IBAN: IE28ULSB98545010018338, Sort Code: 98-54-50, Account Number: 10018338.