Cat taped inside box and dumped outside recycling centre

The cardboard box was discovered by a member of the public outside the centre in Leamore Lane, Walsall, on Saturday evening.

He became suspicious upon seeing airholes punctured into the sides, and called the RSPCA after peering inside and spotting the terrified cat who had been abandoned.

Animal collection officer (ACO) Catherine Strawford responded to the call.

She said: “Thank goodness the man followed his instinct and checked inside because there was poor little Sammy.

“She’d been plonked in the box along with a blanket. The box was taped up so someone obviously didn’t want her escaping.

“Goodness knows what could have happened to her if she’d been thrown into a refuse lorry with the rest of the rubbish.”

The good Samaritan who discovered Sammy gave her some biscuits and water while he waited for the RSPCA to arrive.

The tabby was then taken to the vet for a check-up before being placed into private boarding, where she has settled in happily.

Officer Strawford added: “Although she was unsurprisingly frightened and fairly confused, luckily she wasn’t injured and the vets gave her the all-clear.

“She isn’t microchipped and had no collar or ID tag on so we don’t really know where she’s come from.

“But it’s clear that someone dumped her there on purpose, which is really sad.

“We’ll keep her in our care just in case someone comes forward to claim her but, if we aren’t able to trace an owner, then we’ll seek to find her a loving new home.”

Anyone with information about where Sammy came from or how she came to be abandoned can anonymously call 0300 123 8018 and leave a message.

Visit rspca.org.uk/findapet to offer a home to a rescued cat like Sammy, or another animal.