A CAT rescue centre has shared the "harsh reality" of the job after taking in a family of cats who had been dumped in a bag full of excrement at the side of the road.

Two young female cats and a small kitten were found in a carrier bag that had been left in the bushes by the side of a road.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue, which is based in Lower Pierce Close, Cross Roads, Keighley, posted on Facebook about the situation on Wednesday at 4pm.

The post said: "This post may cause some upset and frustration so we do apologise in advance, but we want to share with you what daily rescue is like for us.

"This gorgeous family were found in a carrier that had been left in the bushes by the side of a road.

"A passerby thought it looked a little odd and were concerned so decided to stop and take a look.

"Thank God they did as inside they found two young female adult cats and a small kitten."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Rescuing the catsRescuing the cats (Image: Yorkshire Cat Rescue)

The carrier bag, found in Farnley in Leeds, was full of excrement and the rescue centre said it could mean the cats had been there for hours or even a day.

The lady who found the cat family took them home, gave them a shallow bath and fed them.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue has taken the animals into its care and named the grey and white female Ballister, the other young adult Ambrosia and the kitten Nimona.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ballister, Ambrosia and NimonaBallister, Ambrosia and Nimona (Image: Yorkshire Cat Rescue)

The rescue centre said: "It breaks our hearts to think about what might have happened to them if no one had stopped to check."

It added: "They are so scared, but we will make sure the family are kept together and hopefully some time in a foster home will make them feel safe and loved again."