by Martin Jefferies

Two terrified kittens were found cruelly dumped on the steps of a Cliftonville hotel inside a paper bag.

The tiny animals, just a few weeks old, were found outside the Hotel Leslie, Surrey Road, on Friday, October 2, and were collected by the RSPCA.

Local inspector Charlotte Eyden retrieved the kittens but found they had eye infections and immediately took them to a nearby veterinary surgery.

They are now being cared for by staff at the RSPCA East Kent Animal Centre and are looking for new homes.

Ms Eyden said: "It's a criminal offence to dump animals like this. Anyone caught doing so could face a fine of £20,000 and up to six months in prison.

"People who cannot look after an animal should contact the RSPCA or any other animal welfare organisation for help and not simply dump the animal."

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.