A bedraggled cat is the latest dumped pet to be rescued from a shopping complex.

Animal rescue staff estimate they have received up to 20 calls in the last year to take in animals abandoned at Oxford Retail Park at Cowley in Oxford - including a mother cat and her four kittens.

The latest one, a female, was discovered in a recycling bin after her cries were heard. She was covered in urine. Volunteers believe she had been there for some time.

The cat is now being cared for by volunteer Debbie McDonagh, and a home will be found for her if no-one comes forward to claim her within seven days.

Safe now: Kira Swatton, 16 months, Debbie McDonagh's niece, with the rescued cat

Mrs McDonagh said: "She has obviously been there a very long time and she is quite a sorry sight. There's no need for this, they are places people can take unwanted animals."

Janet Butler, who runs the Botley-based West Oxford Animal Rescue service, urged anyone with an unwanted pet to contact them.

She said: "Tesco on the Cowley retail park has often called us and we have collected about 15 to 20 animals in the past year.

"The manager of the garage on the site called us about two weeks ago because he had seen a cat being thrown out of a car, so we rescued that one. If owners cannot cope, we will understand and we will come to them and help them."

The animal rescue service can be called on 01865 308594 or 01865 726556.