THE bodies of 16 adult cats have been found dumped in bin bags in Billinge Woods, Blackburn.

The animals were discovered by a Blackburn with Darwen Council worker.

Now the RSPCA is trying to find out what happened and is appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.

RSPCA Inspector Chris Heyworth said: "The fact that so many cats were dumped in plastic bags in the middle of a wood leads me to think that something untoward has happened.

"It could be that someone had a lot of cats and they became ill and died.

"Perhaps someone knows someone who used to have a lot of cats but doesn't any more."

Mr Heyworth said there had been cases of owners of lurcher-type dogs using their animals to kill cats but it was unusual in those circumstances to find the dead animals in bags. The cats were being collected from the woods by RSPCA officers but Mr Heyworth said it would be too expensive to establish a cause of death.

Tom Wilson, head of outdoor amenities for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The workman who found the cats was very shaken up. It is very distressing to think of so many cats being slaughtered and dumped in this way."

He added: "This is an absolutely despicable act and we are doing all we can to assist the RSPCA.

"Someone must know how these cats ended up in the woods and we would urge any one with any information to contact the RSPCA."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Inspector Chris Heyworth or Inspector Annabelle Black on 0990 555999.

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