IT is terrible that people think it is OK to dump boxes of kittens in East Lancashire. Four of the animals were discovered by the canalside this week with no hope of survival by themselves.

Another six were just hours from death when they were rescued from a mill.

Sadly these latest cases are just the tip of an ever-growing iceberg. Cat protection branches in the region are reporting that this year is the worst in two decades for the creatures to be abandoned. More animals have so far been taken in this year than the whole of the previous one.

The issue is being blamed on more people facing problems as the current economic climate really bites. The bedroom tax has also forced some people to relocate to smaller properties which they feel are not big enough to house their pets.

People really do need to think hard before they take on a cat to ensure they will be in a position to care for it for the next 15 years.

If they are not able to give this commitment, they should think again. And existing owners should also be responsible and ensure that their pets are neutered to stop more unwanted kittens in the future.

After all, how can we call ourselves a civilised society when people are happy to leave kittens in boxes to die?