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26 Cats and Kittens Dumped in a Birmingham Alleyway
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Birmingham Alleyway Discovery of 26 Cats and Kittens
On 30 September at about 13:00 BST, a member of the public found 26 cats and kittens sealed in plastic boxes and carriers beside fly-tipped rubbish on Hawthorn Road, between a bakery and a shop. The finder moved most of the animals into carriers and alerted the RSPCA. Animal Rescue Officer Paul Nijjar said many of the cats were lethargic, underweight and struggling to breathe in the sealed containers. Two of the survivors—four-week-old Mauve and one-year-old Mr Gold—were taken to Birmingham Animal Hospital for treatment of heavy flea burdens, anaemia, dehydration and monitoring for cat flu; both are now improving. The remaining 24 cats and kittens are recovering in RSPCA care and will be rehomed when ready.
Surge in Mass Cat Incidents Across England and Wales
The RSPCA reports a 67 % increase in multi-cat rescues over the past year, with 1,752 incidents involving ten or more cats at a single property in 2025. This follows 1,045 incidents in 2024 and 613 in 2021. In 2025 the charity took in roughly 20,000 cats and warns that the figure may be exceeded this year. The Birmingham incident follows a separate case on 27 September, when six kittens were found abandoned in a crate on Metchley Drive.
RSPCA Response and Calls for Action
The RSPCA is reviewing CCTV footage from the alleyway and has issued an appeal for information, providing the incident number 01915832 for tips. The charity also directs pet owners facing financial hardship to its cost-of-living hub for assistance with neutering and other care.
Impact on Animal-Welfare Resources
The sharp rise in mass-cat incidents is placing “unprecedented pressure” on RSPCA resources across England and Wales. The organization highlights the need for public cooperation—through reporting, early neutering and financial support—to manage the growing influx of cats and to prevent further cruelty cases like the Birmingham dumping.