Kittens left fighting for lives after being dumped in rabbit trap

The five-week-old tabby, tortoiseshell and black kittens were discovered in the trap off of Berwick Lane in Stanford Rivers, near the M25 carriageway, by local cat rescue team Pauline and Terry Firks yesterday evening (August 17).

The couple, who have been rescuing animals since 1975, said that the kittens had been purposely placed in the trap and left, however they were unsure as to how long they had been there.

The four kittens were discovered beside the road and inside a rabbit trap in Ongar.

Mr Firks, 72, said: “When we got hold of them they were very dehydrated.

“We didn’t think one of them was going to make it, her ribs were visible and it was very upsetting.

“We rushed the litter to House and Jackson vets in Ongar and they were placed in an incubator overnight.

“Luckily they have all survived and we have them with us at home until they’re old enough to leave.

“These kittens were literally placed in a life or death situation.

“If we hadn’t have got them when we did who knows what would have been the result of this.”

The two male and two female kittens will be ready to be rehomed in three weeks.

Mr and Mrs Firks will keep the kittens with them until they're strong enough to be rehomed.

Mr Firks added: “People need to understand the importance of having their cat neutered or spayed.

“It is so irresponsible and these kittens are far too young to be without their mother, let alone in a trap beside a road.

“I understand there is a huge shortage in the area of rescue centres that can take in kittens as so many need homes.

“But this is completely unacceptable.”