RSPCA shelter at 'full capacity'

Staff at Bradford said the centre had never been so crowded

An animal charity has appealed to people to provide new homes for the growing number of cats in its care.

The RSPCA said its centre in Bradford was at full capacity because of a "dramatic influx" in the number of cats being abandoned.

Staff said more than 142 cats and kittens had been brought in this year.

Mandy Miller, animal centre manager, said: "It has never been as crowded and it's heartbreaking to see so many animals without a permanent home."

Animal care assistant Joanne Lee, said she adopted her cat Toby Tibbs when he was brought into the centre by an RSPCA inspector.

He had been found dumped in a bin next to a bus stop in Bradford when he was days old.

"It's shocking that anyone could abandon such a defenceless, young animal," she said.

"When the inspector brought him in to us I just knew I had to take him home and look after him."