Seven dead kittens were found scattered beside the road at the limits of Ghajnsielem last night, the SPCA (Gozo) reported today. Another died shortly after being found.

"A very concerned young couple called the Gozo SPCA during the evening, having found one live newborn kitten amongst the bodies," the SPCA said.

An SPCA Officer who visited the scene found three large kittens, one of which had a serious head injury, and another four that were all less than a week old. All appeared to have died gasping for breath, as their mouths were wide open.

Near the kittens was a large paint bucket with a lid.

"It could only be assumed that the kittens had all been shut in the bucket until they suffocated, although how one survived is a mystery. Sadly shortly after being handed to Gozo SPCA the only live newborn kitten, which was already very weak, died," the SPCA said.

The SPCA and Ghajnsielem Council both condemned this 'cruel act of animal vandalism'.

The SPCA pointed out that it spent many years promoting the neutering of cats and dogs to prevent such unwanted births. During the past two years The Blue Cross, Britain’s Pet Charity, provided extensive funding for neutering cats entirely for free for anyone wishing to have their cats neutered. Likewise, ITV Grenzenlos, a German charity and Dogs Trust Malta sponsored the neutering and micro chipping of dogs.

"For those who say that it is not natural to neuter a dog or cat – Gozo SPCA would like somebody to explain what is natural about the death of these poor kittens, which had a right to life too," the society said.

Gozo SPCA has taken in 40 kittens this year. Anybody wishing to adopt a vaccinated, neutered and healthy kitten from the Centrecan phone 21551637 or email info@spca-gozo.org