RSPCA officers have condemned “callous” pet-owners who have dumped animals.
They are investigating the case of two cats thrown from a car in Paddock, Huddersfield, and a dog abandoned at the roadside in Thurgoland.
But animal charity officers admitted it was a sign of the times.
Insp Emma Brook said: “It is hard for many people financially in the current climate, but that is no excuse for people to be callous and leave pets like this. We know people struggle but there are animal care charities available all the time to offer help.”
Insp Brook said the cats were dumped last Sunday in Douglas Avenue, Paddock .
Residents saw a blue car drive up and the cats were pushed out of a door before the vehicle roared away.
Local people managed to corner a small white cat but the other, a black cat, ran off and is still missing.
Insp Brook said the cat seemed in good health and is now being cared for at the RSPCA centre in Halifax.
“We want to know if anyone is aware of this incident and can help us trace the people involved and the missing cat,” she said.
The charity said the dog was found at 11pm on Wednesday, collapsed in the road in Old Mill Lane, Thurgoland.
RSPCA chief inspector Matt Bell said: “It is really sad that at a time when the RSPCA has been reporting that animals are being treated like rubbish due to the alarming increase in them being abandoned, I get a call out to such a vulnerable elderly dog abandoned on an isolated country lane.
“This dog was found in a collapsed state and clearly could not have strayed anywhere as she was in such an appalling condition.
“She was a black and tan terrier cross around 14 to 16 years old.
“She was emaciated, severely arthritic, had a large tumour on her throat and was suffering with dermatitis and fur loss.
“Had we not got the call she would have died of exposure overnight.”
Anyone who can help can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
