FOUR kittens have been found dead in a lay-by in Cambridgeshire. It is thought the kittens, which were only a few weeks old, had been drowned in a large paint tub and then heartlessly left near the A47 Thorney bypass on Monday. The bodies were completely

FOUR kittens have been found dead in a lay-by in Cambridgeshire.

It is thought the kittens, which were only a few weeks old, had been drowned in a large paint tub and then heartlessly left near the A47 Thorney bypass on Monday.

The bodies were completely soaked and one kitten was found on top of the paint tub while the remaining three were found in the nearby undergrowth.

RSPCA Inspector Kat Parfitt said: "This was an extremely appalling incident and the kittens would have suffered a horrific death.

"Why anyone would want to do this is impossible to comprehend, but we will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice.

"We need to hear from anyone who has any information about these kittens, may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area, or who may have heard who is responsible for this appalling crime.

"The sad thing is, is that if the owner was failing to cope with looking after these kittens they could have got in touch with the RSPCA or other animal charities who could have given advice and help to find new homes for them.

"Taking this course of action is just so unnecessary it is just so very sad that the kittens' lives were taken in this way."

Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a �20,000 fine.

Anyone with information no matter how small is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.