Kitten rescued from locked bag thrown over fence

Mavis the kitten was found by a member of the public

A "terrified" 12-week-old kitten has been rescued by a member of the public in south London after being thrown over a barbed wire fence while trapped inside a zipped-up rucksack.

The feline was found on Sunday near Clapham Junction station by the passer-by who saw the bag being discarded.

The kitten has since been named Mavis and is being cared for by the animal rescue charity.

Dep Ch Insp Leanna Hone, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is an appalling way to treat a living animal."

The kitten was thrown away in a distinctive white bag

She added: "This kitten must have been terrified - trapped inside a bag and flung over a fence near a busy station.

"If she hadn't been found in time the outcome could have been tragic.

"We are checking CCTV footage in the area, and urge anyone with information to come forward."

The member of the public saw the distinctive white bubble-style bag being thrown over the fence into Tours Passage.

The kitten is not microchipped.

The rescued kitten has been called Mavis

The RSPCA says it is urging pet owners to neuter and microchip their cats.

In June 2024 it became a legal requirement for all cats over 20 weeks to be microchipped.

The charity said neutering prevents unwanted litters as female cats can become pregnant from just four months old, with the potential to produce up to 18 kittens per year.

The RSPCA said it rescues more than 20,000 cats annually, with peak intake between May and September.

"Abandoning animals is never the answer - no matter how difficult things are," added Dep Ch Insp Leanna Hone.

"We understand the cost of living crisis is affecting many, and we offer help and advice to struggling pet owners."