A kitten found with three broken legs in West Malling may have been mutilated deliberately.

The cat's injuries were so severe that she had to be put down by the vets and the RSPCA is now investigating what happened.

A member of the public found the animal in a distressed state in an open garden area in The Heath, West Malling, on July 17.

The kitten, which was only six to eight weeks old and most likely feral, couldn't move and she was rushed to the vets.

It was discovered she had two broken back legs and a broken front leg.

The vet felt the injuries were so severe that the kindest thing was to put the kitten to sleep to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA inspector Grace Harris Bridge is investigating the incident.

'It is possible this poor kitten may have been injured deliberately...'

She said: “During the examination the vet felt that it was unlikely that this kitten had sustained her injuries as a result of a road traffic accident as the injuries were not consistent with this.

“Therefore it is a possibility that this poor kitten may have been injured deliberately and these horrific injuries were done purposefully, which is awful.

"If this was a deliberate act then I want to find the person responsible.

“I would urge anyone with any information regarding what happened to this kitten to contact me in confidence on the RSPCA Inspector appeal line on 0300 1238018.”

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from West Malling