A CAT was found tied up in a rucksack and dumped in a pond with a broken leg.

Lisa Hertle discovered the cat in Bullrush Pond, near Upper Walthamstow Road, Walthamstow, when out with her son walking their dog.

They waded into the water to encourage the dog to rinse off, and saw a small blue rucksack on the edge of the island.

When they turned it over, something inside moved, then meowed.

Dr Hertle said: "This rather sad-looking cat came out, and we knew it had broken its leg. It was just luck that we found it. If we had not been walking across the pond we would never have seen it. Someone must have stood at the edge of the pond and thrown the bag out for the cat to break its leg. It was a bit shocking and my son and I tried not to cry. We took it home and cuddled it, reassured it, and all it did was purr."

Dr Hertle called the RSPCA and Inspector Peter Puchalla took the male black and white cat to the Harmsworth Animal Hospital in North London where he is being treated for his injuries. His broken leg has been set and, after suffering a horrendous amount of cruelty he is now feeling much better and managing to eat well.

Inspector Puchalla said: "It appears that someone was trying to drown this poor cat. He was in a very sorry way with a broken leg and he was terrified. We would like to hear from anyone who knows who may be responsible for this cat."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.