Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kittens found abandoned in ‘tied up plastic bag’ on Cornwall beach

‘There are just no words to describe this awful act of cruelty’ after cats named Black Beard and Jack Sparrow were dumped on Penzance beach

Barney Davis
Wednesday 12 June 2024 04:41 EDT
Comments
Sally Oldfield/Sally’s Cat Rescue
Sally Oldfield/Sally’s Cat Rescue (Sally’s Cat Rescue)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two kittens are being treated “like royalty” after being rescued from a sealed plastic bag that was dumped on a Cornish beach.

Named after famous pirates after being discovered in Penzance, tiny Black Beard and Jack Sparrow are now looking for a new home after a walker spotted them.

They were handed into Sally’s Cat Rescue in St Austell, which is now raising funds for a heart scan after Black Beard was found with a “very serious” heart murmur.

Black Beard recquires a full heart scan
Black Beard recquires a full heart scan (Sally Oldfield/Sally’s Cat Rescue)

Sally Olford, who runs the rescue shelter said the brothers were given to her after spending a week at the vets in Penzance.

She said on Facebook: “Meet Black Beard and Jack Sparrow. The most gorgeous 11-week-old kittens you could ever meet.

“They were found dumped on a beach in Penzance in a plastic bag.

“Fortunately, a member of the public found them and took them straight to the vets.”

The volunteer group said they were looking for donations as scans can cost hundreds of pounds.

She added: “After a checkover by the vets it was discovered that Black Beard has a grade 5 heart murmur which is extremely serious.

“We will get him a heart scan when he is a few weeks older to work out what his next steps are.

“There are just no words to describe this awful act of cruelty.

“There is always an option .. ask for help….Many thanks to the staff at Vets4Pets Penzance for caring for them and asking us to take them on.

“We will keep you updated. In the meantime, they are safe at the rescue being treated like royalty.”

A heart scan for Jack Sparrow would cost £800
A heart scan for Jack Sparrow would cost £800 (Sally Oldfield/ Sally’s Cat Rescue)

A spokesperson told The Independent: “We think this was a purposeful act, sadly. They are both so cuddly and friendly - it doesn’t make sense.

“Maybe the owners knew one was poorly, we just don’t know.

“Obviously we’ll do everything we can to help this young kitten.

“At just 11 weeks, he deserves a chance. He’ll need an expensive heart scan in a couple of weeks which will give us a plan of action for him.”

To donate to Black Beard’s heart scan click here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in