A BLACK and white cat has been found drowned in a basket in an Abingdon fishing lake.

The animal, thought to be around six months old, was found in a closed basket, wrapped in towels, in Lambrick Way by a passer-by.

A cat basket was spotted in the water about 5pm and a man waded out to get it and found a basket with the animal inside.

The RSPCA is appealing for information and said it is thought the cat could have been in the water for some time when it was found on Wednesday, September 17.

The cat was wearing bright yellow collar and had an injury to its tail. It was not microchipped.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith said: “It was a shocking, macabre sight.

“We think this poor cat was probably alive when submerged in the water.

“Drowning is a horrible way to die, causing much suffering. He was only a tiny little thing too, just six months old.”

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.