Animal officers have been sent an anonymous letter by the person who dumped a family of starving Persian cats near Maldon.

The letter to RSPCA officers at the Danaher Animal Home, Wethersfield, apologises for dumping the two adults and a kitten found malnourished and dishevelled just outside Maldon last month.

It says the animals are called Bob, Lucy and Tiny the kitten, and the writer explained he or she lives alone in Surrey and had travelled to the area in the belief a breeder of the cats lived nearby.

RSPCA inspector Angela Pearce said the note was pushed through the door of the centre on Thursday but provided no new clues to tracing the owner of the cats, and investigations were still continuing.

She said: "I am a bit concerned this particular person is living in Surrey when the case has been highlighted locally here.

"I am also concerned there may be other cats at this person's house and we would appreciate any help or information about these animals," she added.

"There is a possible connection in Steeple bearing in mind this is a particular breed and colour and there are people involved with this breed of cat."

The letter says: "Very sorry to have been so much trouble. I have had to to travel a long way to get home now I have found out they have been found.

It continues: "I could not look after them so I dropped them in Steeple so a breeder would find and look after them. I live alone in Surrey so you will not find me."

Terri Tamcken, of Gardenfields, is looking after the kitten - renamed Merlin - and the two adults are doing well at the Wethersfield Centre and will be re-homed soon.

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA on 0990 555999.

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