A frightened feline has been rescued after being cruelly dumped in a cardboard box near Broadstairs.

After a member of the public witnessed the white cat being left in a field by Manston Court Road near Westwood Cross shopping centre yesterday evening, they alerted charity team Cats in Crisis.

Mary Knott, of CIC Thanet, said: "Two volunteers attended and managed to rescue the cat. It is now safe, but is not microchipped and is very frightened.

"The cat it very, very traumatised by its ordeal, cowering at the back of the pen and lashing out if you try to touch it.

"We will keep it quiet for the next few days and let it settle. It is with a very patient and experienced foster carer.

"We have arranged a day next week when it will be admitted to the vets for a full medical check and assessment.

"Thereafter it will be the long process of gaining its trust and trying to undo the emotional damage that's clearly been done, plus dealing with any health issues or injuries the vet might find.

"We desperately need to trace the person who did this dreadful thing.

"Longer term, we hope for a kind and loving home but I suspect that might be some considerable time ahead - but we live in hope."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the CIC Thanet team on their Facebook page.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet

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