STAFF at an RSPCA centre are looking after 11 animals abandoned in the first four days of 2010. Jackie Williams, manager at the Block Fen Animal Centre in Wimblington, said: This is one of the busiest starts to a new year we ve had in terms of abandoned

STAFF at an RSPCA centre are looking after 11 animals abandoned in the first four days of 2010.

Jackie Williams, manager at the Block Fen Animal Centre in Wimblington, said: "This is one of the busiest starts to a new year we've had in terms of abandoned animals.

"It is so uncaring to leave young animals like these outside in freezing temperatures. It's only by luck that they did not suffer worse fates. It is about time that people took responsibility for their pets - simply dumping them and hoping someone else will step in is not enough."

On Saturday a cockerel and two puppies were found. Two days later the centre took in two litters of abandoned kittens.

The cockerel was found in a cardboard pet carrier outside the reception doors of Block Fen when staff arrived for work. He is about six month's old and a cross breed. Jackie said: "He was skinny and very cold but is now recovering well. Staff have named him Harold and he is living in an enclosure with a hen named Mary who was already being cared for at the centre."

The two puppies were found dumped in a wicker laundry basket in the front garden of a house in The Causeway in March. Their whimpers were heard and a member of the public took them to Block Fen where they were named Oliver and Dodger.

The dogs are lurcher terrier crosses and are between seven and eight weeks old. Both puppies were emaciated and freezing cold. They are getting stronger but are still being treated for severe diarrhoea.

The first litter of kittens arrived on Monday morning. The four nine-week-olds were found in a cardboard box next to the recycling centre at Morrison's supermarket in King's Lynn. A black six-month-old female cat was also with them but is not thought to be their mother.

The second litter of kittens was found in a plastic carrier in The Cottons in Outwell.

Anyone with information about any of the animals should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

• There is some good news from the centre with Rosie the pig and Higgins the cat both finding new homes. This newspaper featured both animals and their stories - Rosie the friendly pig and overweight Higgins who has an obsession with food.