AN INVESTIGATION has been launched following the discovery of two dead cats in a Barnoldswick park.

The two animals were found by a passer-by at the base of a tree in Letcliffe Park, off Manchester Road.

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The RSPCA is now investigating what is described as a ‘very strange and unusual’ situation and has appealed for information.

It is not yet known whether the animals were deliberately hurt and dumped.

Both cats, one black and one tabby, were still warm when they were found at 10am on Sunday and had a shaved area on their forelegs with a needle mark.

One possibility the RSPCA is investigating is that the cats were euthanised at home by their owner and placed in the park.

RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor said: “It’s very strange and unusual. Someone might have had them put to sleep and placed them in the park.

“The only clue we have got is the shaved legs and needle marks. They are young and healthy cats. It’s odd because they look like they’ve been euthanised but the local vets don’t know anything about two cats being euthanised.”

Any chemicals inside the cats could have proved fatal for animals eating their carcasses, Insp Taylor added.

Sonia Billington, head nurse at Oakmount Veterinary Centre, in Trafalgar Street, Burnley, said: “I have never heard of anything like this before.

“It would be difficult to say what has happened without a toxicology report. The shave marks on the legs could be coincidence.”

Anyone who can help can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.