THESE KITTENS were found dumped in a cardboard box in the village of Chart Sutton, near Maidstone, at the weekend. It is the third box of kittens to be dumped in the Maidstone area in less than a week.

The kittens are all less than one month old and are being looked after by RSPCA carer Janet Fisher, from Chart Sutton.

They were discovered just days after a female cat and three kittens were found in Mote Park, Maidstone, and other kittens were found in a box outside a house in Maidstone town centre.

The RSPCA is appealing for information on who dumped the kittens as it is an offence to abandon animals in this way.

The maximum penalty on conviction is up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £20,000, plus a life ban on keeping animals.

RSPCA West Kent Chief Insp Steve Dockery said: "There is absolutely no excuse for dumping these kittens, or even for having unwanted kittens in the first place."

The RSPCA is now looking for homes for the abandoned kittens and anyone who is interested is asked to contact the branch on 01622 891222.