A KITTEN was seriously hurt when it was thrown from a moving vehicle.

The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after a six-week-old kitten was found by a delivery driver on the side of the road in Church Minshull, south of Winsford.

It is believed the Kitten, who has been named Winston by volunteers at the RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich branch, had been thrown from a vehicle.

Having undergone surgery for a broken leg, he is now making a good recovery.

The branch’s cat coordinator, Mandy Hill, said: “The vet thought the impact injuries were unusual and after examination it sadly does look like this little kitten was thrown from a moving car.

“It’s such a callous thing to do to a little cat.”

She added: “Winston was really scared when he first came into the branch.

“At first we thought he may be a feral cat, but it is clear he has been socialised by someone and has been living in someone’s home.

“He’s a lively little thing and fortunately the vet expects him to make a good recovery.”

Northwich Guardian: Winston with his saviour Leaum RutterWinston with his saviour Leaum Rutter (Image: RSPCA)

Winston was spotted by delivery driver Leaum Rutter crawling around in agony on the side of the road, Cross Lane.

Leaum and stopped traffic to come to his rescue, placing him in a box before taking him to a Nantwich-based vet.

X-rays revealed the feline had suffered a bilateral femoral fracture.

Winston underwent successful surgery to pin his broken leg and is now under the care of the Crewe and Nantwich RSPCA branch, who have moved him into a foster home.

Winston’s story comes as the RSPCA launches its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, which aims to raise funds for its frontline rescue teams and to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good.

On Tuesday last week (July 18), the charity received 4,060 calls to its cruelty line - on average six a minute during opening hours - with 1,775 incidents investigated by frontline rescuers on its busiest day of the year.

Anyone with any information about what happened to Winston should call the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.

Leaum and his family are making a donation to help cover the branch’s vet bill.

The branch is also taking donations from the public and can be contacted at branch@rspca-crewenantwich.org.uk