Ten-week-olds are in the care of charity in Kensal Green

Two kittens are in the care of an animal charity in Kensal Green after being rescued from a graveyard in Neasden where they were dumped.

The 10-week-old moggies, who have been named Bubble and Squeak, have been housed by The Mayhew Animal Home in Trenmar Gardens, after they were saved by the verger of St Mary’s Church in Neasden Lane.

Ray Lane, 75, was alerted to the kittens by a member of the public who had witnessed them being chased around by local children.

He said: “Knowing that there are a lot of foxes in our graveyard I wanted to see if I could find the kittens to prevent any harm coming to them.

“I thought they may have been feral kittens, and a little wild, but as soon as I called them they came running over and were so friendly and had clearly been cared for by somebody recently.

“I’m very glad that we were able to take them out of harms way.”

The Mayhew has seen a recent spate of kittens being dumped and abandoned and, as breeding season begins to peak, many members of the public are calling the charity’s animal welfare officers to ask for help with young litters found in their garden.

Paul Grimes, The Mayhew’s animal welfare officer, said: “We are very grateful to Mr Lane that he took immediate action to save these two kittens that would have been so vulnerable to dangers in the graveyard. They are such a friendly pair that it is clear they have been owned and have been purposefully dumped at the church as there are no houses nearby.

“There are so many unwanted kittens arriving with us daily that we urge anyone to approach us for help rather than abandon their animals in an environment which may cause them to face a terrible and frightening death.”

The Mayhew is additionally reminding pet owners that neutering their cats is vital in order to reduce the stray and feral kitten populations. Unneutered owned cats will go outside and breed with local stray and feral cats, leading to litters being born in gardens and abandoned buildings and therefore becoming vulnerable to the outside elements.

Anyone with concerns about abandoned litters, or animal welfare enquiries can call 020 8969 0178 and can book a low-cost neutering appointment at The Mayhew’s vet clinic on 020 8968 2447.

Or visit www.mayhewanimalhome.org.