A WOMAN is appalled after reporting a dead cat to Thurrock Council – only to be told to throw the animal in a bin.

The black-and-white cat had been run over in Fielding Avenue, Tilbury.

Amy Fulcher, 28, who lives in the road, brought the cat home, mistaking it for her own pet.

However, after realising the cat did not belong to her, Mrs Fulcher thought it best to report the animal to the council.

She said: “My mum called the council, only to be told it wasn’t their responsibility to find the owner and the best thing would be to throw the cat in the bin.”

Mrs Fulcher said her family were disgusted at the council’s response.

She said: “We were shocked. It’s appalling. I would be distraught if someone did that to my pet.”

A council spokesman said if an animal was found on privatelyowned land it was the responsibility of the landowner to dispose of it.

He said: “If it is on the highway, where possible the council’s street crews note the location and details of animals they pick up in case owners make inquiries.”

In the end, Mrs Fulcher took the cat to a local vet, who said they would try to find the owner.