Horror as four dead kittens among seven dumped in box at Murvagh Beach
The mother cat has been found in the same area and is in a very poor state of health
Murvagh Beach car park has become a dumping ground for unwanted kittens in recent weeks.
A box containing four dead kittens was found on Wednesday evening, while two more were rescued by a visitor to the beach. They were brought to Animals in Need.
A third live kitten had been spotted but was proving difficult to catch.
A spokesperson for Animals in Need said: “Clearly, a life doesn't matter to some people, but we are delighted that a kind lady brought these two to safety after finding them dumped at Murvagh Beach Carpark.
“Sadly, it was too late for the four dead kittens still in the box, thrown out like rubbish.
“The lady reported there to be one more kitten running around that she couldn't find in the dark. Several visits have failed to find the kitten, but please keep a look out if you are in the area.”
The spokesperson said this was the second litter to be dumped in the same car park in recent weeks adding: “And yes, they were dumped. Kittens don't show up in boxes.”
This sad story then took another twist. A cat believed to be the mum of the dumped kittens, was later found in the same area.
Animals in Need took to social media on Friday morning to share the update, saying: “Yesterday, we were shocked at the seven kittens dumped at Murvagh Beach, but the story kept shocking us when we received a call that an adult cat in very poor condition was found up there yesterday lunchtime.
“When we say shocking condition, we mean shocking condition.
“She was skin and bone, only 2kg - healthy cat of her frame should be 4kG - dehydrated, emaciated, and so frantically hungry. We have never seen the sheer desperation for food before.
“Clearly, the mum of the kittens, she had watched as four of her kittens died, despite giving her all, nearly to the point of her own life.”
Now named Athena, she is receiving special food in small meals regularly and has spent her first night under a heat lamp.
The spokesperson continued: “She is safe now and will not be left frozen and starved on a beach to watch her babies die.
“Thank you so much to the ladies who found both the kittens and mum. You saved three precious lives.”
More information on Animals in Need can be found on the charity's Facebook page.