A CAT was put in a sandbag weighed down with bricks and dumped in a ditch.

The RSPCA said the animal would have died had a teenage schoolgirl not looked inside the bag left on a Haslingden playing field.

It is the latest shocking case of animal cruelty in East Lancashire in recent months.

The cat, who vets believe is five or six-years old, was found to be covered in an oil-type substance.

She was treated for large red blisters on both back feet where it would appear the oily substance had burnt her.

The cat was also missing her top lip and her mouth was badly ulcerated.

It is thought this was as a result of trying to lick the substance off.

RSPCA inspector Helen Smith said: “Whoever put this cat in this bag certainly didn't want her to get out.

“Who knows what would have happened if it hadn't been for the quick thinking of the school girl who saved her.”

The cat, described as an unusual sandy tortoiseshell colour, was collected by the RSPCA and taken straight to a vet where she received antibiotics and pain relief and is now at a private cattery.

She's now fully recovered, apart from her missing lip.

It's thought she had worn a collar at some point, but she wasn't micro-chipped so her owner has not been traced.

“I am worried that someone might be out there looking for her,” said Inspector Smith.

“She's a very friendly cat who I'm sure has been in a loving home at some point.

“I'm really keen to hear from anyone who thinks she might belong to them.”

Last month an 18-month terrier died after being placed in a bag weighted down with bricks and thrown into the canal at Altham.

Weeks later a kitten buried alive under a pile of bricks and soil in Stacksteads was rescued by three teenage girls who heard his cries.

The bag was found on Jubilee Road playing field on Monday September 13, but the RSPCA has only just released details.

Call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for Inspector Smith.