A kitten had his legs intentionally broken before he was rolled up in a carpet and dumped with household rubbish, it is believed.
Forest, who is just four months old, was found outside some flats in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
He had been ‘wrapped in a piece of carpet and literally thrown out with the rubbish’, RSPCA inspector Ben Cottle-Shaw said.
The kitten was taken to a nearby vet where it was discovered both his front legs were broken.
Mr Cottle-Shaw said: ‘There’s no evidence to suggest Forest had been involved in a road traffic accident, no scuff marks, scabs or damaged claws which you would normally expect to see.
‘So it leads us to believe the injuries to his legs have been deliberately inflicted.’
Forest was then transferred to the RSPCA’s Great Manchester Animal Hospital in Salford where he has undergone successful surgery.
Mr Cottle-Shaw added: ‘It’s going to be a long, slow recovery for him but his prognosis is good and he’s receiving excellent care from the fantastic team at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
‘It was extremely fortunate that he was found and our thanks go to the very kind member of the public who came to his aid, and to Peak Vets for their ongoing support.
‘It’s an absolutely shocking story and we’re appealing to anyone who recognises Forest or has information about what has happened to him to come forward.’
RSPCA figures show a disturbing rise in intentional cruelty against animals.
This includes 1,520 reports in Yorkshire last year, which is a 23% increase on 2021.
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