The RSPCA have made an appeal for information after two cats were found dead inside a basement car park at an apartment building in Edgware.
A local refuse collection team discovered the bodies of the cats inside the Edgware car park earlier this month on Friday 12 August, after noticing a ‘strong smell’ coming from an unused bike storage area.
The cats – an adult black and white shorthair, and a tabby kitten – are thought to have been dead for several days before they were discovered. The RSPCA noted that a number of concerning details prompted the workers to call them to report the incident, including blood stains on the wall and ‘visible injuries on the cats bodies’.
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RSPCA Inspector David Waite, who is investigating the discovery, said: “This was a really upsetting discovery, and I am very concerned about what may have happened to these cats before their death.
“It looks as though the cats may have been kept down in the car park basement for some time, as there is a lot of old faeces on the floor. It also appears that somebody has been down there with them and ‘owned’ them, as both cats had plastic claw covers fixed onto their paws, which can be bought in pet shops or from groomers to prevent cats from scratching.
“What is most disturbing is what vets discovered during a post-mortem examination. The tabby kitten had suffered a fractured leg and a broken jaw, and both cats suffered multiple broken ribs. The adult black and white cat was underweight. The vet has stated that these findings indicate severe trauma and that foul play is strongly suspected.”
Shockingly, a number of blood stains were found on the walls and floor of the basement, along with a worn cat-scratching post. Several used ‘balloons’ were also found alongside a nitrous gas canister, suggesting that people have been using the area.
David added: “I am really keen to hear from anyone with information as soon as possible. The car park is underneath a large apartment building, and usually the basement area can only be accessed using a key fob, so I am very hopeful that people may have some vital information that might help me investigate.
“Anyone with information can contact me in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.”
