RSPCA hunts man after ginger cat was duct-taped in a carrier that was caught in a rubbish bag and thrown over a fence

The RSPCA is chasing a man after a ginger cat was duct-taped in a pet cage and thrown over a fence into someone’s garden.

A man was captured on CCTV near the incident in Basildon, Essex, on February 20 and the charity is now appealing for witnesses.

The three-year-old cat was found inside the carrier by a member of the public in her garden on Victoria Road at 4.15pm.

The person contacted the RSPCA after seeing the pet carrier which was sealed with tape and wrapped in a rubbish bag.

The charity believes the man, described as white, wearing glasses, a dark jacket and a light blue T-shirt, could have vital information in relation to the incident.

He arrived in the area by bicycle and a photograph of him has been released.

The cat, which did not have a microchip or collar, was taken to Medivet Laindon.

A foster carer was found to be caring for the cat while the RSPCA makes inquiries.

Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Michael Harrington, who is investigating, said: “It appears this poor cat was thrown over a fence and dumped in someone else’s garden.

“Thankfully a member of the public saw what had happened and came out and was shocked to find the cat at the bottom of their garden.

“The carrier had been sealed with tape and wrapped in a garbage bag and inside the carrier was a forever bag with the cat hidden under the bag.

“The kind member of the public took him straight to a vet where he was fully checked.

“Thankfully he doesn’t have any injuries, but the vet explained that he was clearly very stressed by the experience.”