Four dead cats found at a Blackburn cemetery were deliberately killed – it is feared.

The shocking finds came as an RSPCA report revealed a big increase in convictions for cruelty against cats, with Lancashire identified as a ‘hotspot’ for animal neglect.

The cats’ bodies were all found at the cemetery in Whalley New Road in the last fortnight. Two of the animals had been dumped in a bin while the others were found near to a hedge.

The Friends of Blackburn Old Cemetery also discovered a two-metre long trap, which has also been reported to police alongside the cat deaths.

Florence Hindle, a committee member, said she noticed two of the cats’ bodies while walking her dog, while another walker pointed out two older corpses, which had started decomposing.

Florence said: “I’ve been walking my dogs in the cemetery for about 14 years and I’ve never seen dead cats here before. To find four within a fortnight seems very suspicious. The second one I found was a lovely young ginger cat.”

Jason Walker, another committee member, said: “We think there might be something poisoning the animals. It’s outrageous and disgusting if someone is doing this on purpose.

“This is 40 acres of quiet and peaceful green land and we want to encourage wildlife to come into the cemetery. It’s very strange and we want to get to the bottom of it.”

Chairman Robin Duxbury said the deaths were suspicious and thought that weed killer may have been used.

The police are now investigating the deaths and said a PCSO would be visiting the site.

A national report by the RSPCA has revealed there were 635 cat-related convictions under the Animal Welfare Act in 2012, compared to 428 in 2011 and 386 in 2010.

Though the statistics were not broken down by animal, there were 159 convictions for animal cruelty in Lancashire last year, which was one of the highest totals in the country.

Jean Graham, of Blackburn and District Cats Protection, said: “I’ve not come across anything like this before. If they have been targeted deliberately then that’s horrific. Anyone that loves animals would feel the same.”

RSPCA spokesman Calie Rydings said: “While we do not know if these attacks were deliberate or accidental, it is clearly suspicious to find a number of dead cats in the same area.

"We are urging anyone with information about these incidents to contact the police or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.”

Under the Animal Welfare Act those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal face a £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.