Lucky Kittens Rescued from Recycling Centre

They are only days old but three tiny kittens have already used up several of their nine lives after being rescued from a Loughborough recycling site.

The newborn cats were a whisker away from being crushed yesterday when staff spotted movement in a box, brought to the County Council facility in a green waste bin.

Workers - who are keen to adopt the kittens - immediately called the RSPCA and the animals were taken to the vet.

They are now being cared for by the RSPCA in Leicester and although they need round-the-clock care, staff are hopeful they will make a full recovery.

Mandy Richardson, Loughborough site supervisor, said: "One of our staff found the kittens in a container and reacted quickly to help them. It was quite a shock, especially as they were so little, and straight away, we contacted the RSPCA.

"If they hadn't have been spotted, they would have been crushed in our compactor so they are very lucky cats.

"Myself and two other members of staff would love to give them a new home when they're old enough to leave the RSPCA."

Lisa Smith, RSPCA branch manager, said: "It's really too early to tell whether they'll survive but they've made it through the night and that's very positive.

"They've only just been born and are absolutely tiny so need hand-feeding every two hours.

"Ideally, they should be with their mum whose milk would provide the anti-bodies and important nutrients they need but we're doing everything we can to save them."

Tony Kershaw, County Council cabinet member for waste management, said: "Rescuing kittens isn't a run-of-the-mill duty for contractors and we're really pleased that staff were vigilant and able to save them.

"From time to time, animals are abandoned at waste sites but we would like to remind residents that leaving pets at sites is not allowed and aside from endangering the animal's life, it has implications for other users."

The County Council's Loughborough Recycling and Household Waste Site is run by contractors EWC and is at Railway Terrace.