AN animal rescue charity is campaigning for more people to neuter their pets after four kittens were found dumped in a skip in Lowton.

A customer made the horrifying discovery after almost tipping rubble onto the four-month-old kittens at Slag Lane Recycling Centre on August 6.

They have since been rehomed by Atherton-based charity Neutering4paws.

Co-founder of the charity Deborah Lamb, who was part of the team that collected the kittens from the recycling centre, said: “If the customer had not seen the kittens they would be dead for sure.

“The kittens are only tiny so they definitely could not have got in on their own.

“They were in a huge skip with no food or water in really hot weather."

The charity took the kittens into its care after being contacted about their abandonment by Wigan Council workers.

The kittens were treated at VetCare Ltd in Leigh and have now been neutered.

Deborah added: “While we cannot be certain why they were dumped, we know there is a huge problem in this area with unwanted litters.

“People in this area do not seem to get their pets, especially cats, neutered.

"This causes problems with strays in the community because people can’t look after them and vets and animal protection centres already have so many pets in their care.

“The people who did this probably have the mummy cat and we are happy to neuter her for free, no questions asked, to prevent this happening in the future because we are very concerned for her welfare.

“We have seen a huge increase in feral and stray cats because people do not get their pets neutered.

"Many organisations like us offer neutering at low cost. It is the best thing for the animals and their owners."

For more information about neutering call Neutering4paws on 07917 672015 or check out its Facebook page.