RSPCA Coventry and District Branch is aware of, and has been supporting the national RSPCA with, an ongoing case involving deceased cats found at a property in Canley.

This is a deeply distressing situation. Our thoughts are with the owners of the cats affected, and with everyone in the local community who has been upset by what has happened.

As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment on the specific circumstances of the case. Doing so could risk affecting any potential enforcement action or prosecution.

We do, however, want to help our community understand what RSPCA Coventry and District Branch can and cannot do as an independent local charity.

RSPCA Coventry and District Branch rehabilitates and rehomes cats and dogs across Coventry and the surrounding area. The animals that come into our care are brought to us by members of the public or through RSPCA inspectors. We also provide animal welfare advice and practical support wherever we can.

However, we are not the national RSPCA inspectorate and we are not able to go out directly to incidents to rescue animals or investigate suspected cruelty. Where there are concerns about cruelty, neglect or animals at immediate risk, these must be reported to the national RSPCA so that inspectors can respond where appropriate.

It is also important to understand the pressures on animal welfare services nationally. Concerns about cruelty, neglect and animals in need remain extremely high, while the resources available to respond are limited. The national RSPCA must prioritise cases where animals are at immediate risk and where its specialist skills are most urgently needed.

Neither RSPCA Coventry and District Branch nor the national RSPCA has the same legal powers as the police or local authorities. RSPCA officers cannot simply enter private property, seize animals, or investigate suspected criminal activity without working through the proper legal channels. Where offences may have taken place, the RSPCA works with the police, councils and other relevant bodies so that evidence can be gathered properly and any potential prosecution is not put at risk.

Anyone with information relating to the Canley case, including CCTV, doorbell footage, knowledge of missing cats, or concerns about the property, should contact the national RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01804675.

We are also aware that distressing reports of this nature can lead to anger being directed at local staff and volunteers. Abuse towards people working to support animals locally does not help the investigation, does not help the cats involved, and diverts time and energy away from the animals currently in our care.

We ask anyone with information to report it through the proper channels, and anyone who wants to help local animals to support the branch constructively.

RSPCA Coventry and District Branch will continue to support animal welfare locally and assist the national RSPCA, the police and other agencies where we are able to do so.