WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE: Appeal after bodies of kittens found in bin bags

Officers at Chorley Council were said to be close to tears when they saw what had happened to the kittens, which were only a few weeks old.

The appeal comes after the second incident of its kind in a matter of weeks and the council wants to catch those responsible before it happens again.

Coun Paul Walmsley, who is responsible for enforcement of animal cruelty at the council, said: “These acts of cruelty are some of the worse we have seen in a long time.

“It appears that the kittens have had their skulls smashed in or that someone has trodden on them. They have then been wrapped in black bin liners and dumped in a bin.

“We are lost for words as to why someone would want to do this and we are now working with the police to trace those who are responsible.”

Four kittens have been found on Devonport Way, Chorley, in two incidents.

The kittens were tortoise shell and black and white in colour, around eight weeks old and wrapped in black bin bags.

Coun Walmsley said: “If anyone does have any cats or kittens they don’t want anymore they can just hand them in and they can be re-homed.

“There are lots of people who want kittens so these animals would have easily gone to a loving home.

“That makes it even more alarming to hear that someone has decided to treat the kittens in this way.”

Anyone with information about the kittens is asked to call the council on 01257 515151 or Lancashire Police on 101.