A CAT found dumped in a recycling clothes bin in March had a broken jaw and was blind in both eyes.

The black and white cat, which was less than a year old, was said to have horrific injuries, including severe neurological damage, and was put to sleep to avoid any furthering suffering.

Now, the RSPCA are appealing for information to track who is responsible for the treatment of this cat. They believe she could have been kicked or beaten.

She was found by a member of public in a clothing bank at Tesco in Hostmoor Avenue on Bank Holiday Monday when the bin was emptied. RSPCA inspectors believe there is no way the cat could have found herself there on her own.

The cat was taken to a nearby vet for treatment and later transferred to the care of an RSPCA vet but it was clear the cat had too many injuries to keep her alive.

RSPCA inspector Jon Knight, who is investigating the incident, said: “This was a particularly nasty and malicious incident and I clearly want to find the person responsible for this.

“This cat had a host of life-threatening injuries, although they could be consistent with a road traffic accident, my gut feeling is she was actually kicked or beaten.

“If she had been hit by a car it is unlikely someone would just dump her in the bin, so we have to consider the fact that she was beaten and kicked and then her tormenter dumped her in the clothes bin, while she was still fighting for her life.

“We believe the minimum time she would have been in the bin was at least 24 hours, but given her poor body condition, the chances are it was probably longer.

“This poor cat must have been put through hell, and the RSPCA wants to find the person who did this.

“Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty line in confidence on 0300 1234 999.”

Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a six-month prison sentence, and/or a �20,000 fine.