THE RSPCA is appealing for information after an emaciated elderly cat was dumped in Okehampton.

The black female cat was very underweight and so cold she had collapsed when she was found in Okehampton at around 11.30am on Monday, January 23 in Westbridge Close.

A member of the public, who contacted the RSPCA to report that the cat had been dumped in the street from a passing vehicle, described how a dark coloured car had stopped in the road and opened the door to let out the cat before driving away.

The elderly cat was discarded on one of the coldest days of the year.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: ‘She was sadly in a terrible state. She is very underweight and was hypothermic when she was found.

‘Unfortunately she isn’t microchipped, so it is very difficult to know where she has come from. We are desperately hoping someone from the local community will be able to help us identify her and the person who was responsible for her care.

‘We urge anyone with any information as to where she came from to contact us on 0300 123 8018.’

RSPCA inspectors now investigate more than 140,000 complaints of cruelty and neglect every year.

Its 17 regional animal centres across England and Wales help people adopt pets and rehome more animals than any other organisation. The RSPCA also has 42 animal centres run by its various branches.

During 2015 its rescued and collected 118,994 animals, found new homes for 47,651 animals and secured 1,781 convictions by private prosecution to protect animals against those who break the law.

The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations to exist. To assist inspectors in carrying out their vital work please text HELP to 78866 to give £3 — texts cost £3 and one standard network rate message.

If you need the RSPCA’s help call 0300 1234 999.