Sealed cardboard box of cats found dumped

The three "terrified" cats were discovered inside a taped-up cardboard box in a hedge near Ilminster

A sealed cardboard box of cats has been found by a dogwalker in Somerset.

The three "terrified" cats were discovered inside a taped-up cardboard box in a hedge near Ilminster and taken to Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

A sanctuary spokesperson, said: "These poor cats were so lucky to be found.

"They were not placed somewhere they were likely to be spotted and would more than likely have starved to death."

At least one of the young cats is pregnant

The three young cats were found tucked into a hedgerow away from a public footpath by a dogwalker, last week.

"What she found was a sealed box of cats," said Nikki Haddock, from the sanctuary.

"The box was sodden with urine so she took it home and gave the cats some food then brought them to us."

The sanctuary, said the poor "terrified" cats had been "very neglected", were extremely underweight and riddled with fleas.

"Two of [the cats] are around a year old and one is maybe two or three years old," said Ms Haddock.

"None are microchipped and at least one of them is pregnant.

"They're lovely cats, so sweet but they are thoroughly traumatised."

Ms Haddock said the cats are very friendly, have been well handled and "been loved by someone"

Ms Haddock said the "very friendly" cats have been well handled and "been loved by someone".

But "given the condition they were found in" they would not have survived long.

"They were found in a box they couldn't get out of," said Ms Haddock.

"I don't know what goes through somebody's mind who thinks that that's an OK idea.

"Thank goodness for the kind heart who brought these cats in."

The sanctuary, said the cats have been "very neglected", are extremely underweight and riddled with fleas