SEVEN newborn kittens have been found dumped in a box in High Wycombe as animal cruelty cases soar.

The RSPCA launched an investigation after the tiny kittens were found abandoned in the woodland by a member of public.

It is believed the kittens were just several hours old. Although they had no visible injuries, they had been wrapped in a paper towel and trapped inside the box.

The member of public who reported this to the RSPCA said that over the past year around seven kittens have repeatedly been found in boxes across various dates.

Sam Watson, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “It’s awful to think cats are suffering deliberate cruelty and to know that an average of seven cats every single day are suffering at the hands of humans is really distressing. Cats are one of the most popular pets in the UK with an estimated 10.5 million pet cats in UK homes but sadly they are the second most abused pet - after dogs. 

“Tragically, we see hundreds of animals that come through our doors every year who have been subjected to unimaginable cruelty - being beaten, thrown across the room, had bones broken, been shot at, poisoned and drowned.

“As well as being hurt by their owners, cats are also more vulnerable as they tend to be out and about on their own which can leave them vulnerable to airgun attacks and other forms of cruelty by complete strangers.”