AN animal charity has appealed for people to have a heart after three five-week-old kittens were dumped in a public toilet in Watchet. Tara Smith, of the Minehead branch of Cats Protection, said she was "disgusted" as the kittens could easily have died. "They were found in a cat basket that had no door but had cushions and blankets stuffed in the entrance to prevent them from escaping. "Fortunately, a passer-by found them and the Minehead branch of Cats Protection were contacted," she said. But while the kittens are in good health and doing well now, it might have been a very different story. "I want everyone to know that while they are now being cared for, dumping unwanted animals is unacceptable. "Not only does dumping these defenceless baby animals pose a health risk to the young kittens themselves - they could have lost their lives - but it also imposes a state of emergency on the charities to find suitable fostering accommodation with no notice," Tara said. There are two main charities in the local area which offer help to people who can no longer cope with their pets - Cats Protection and the RSPCA. Local vets also know how to get in touch with animal rescue charities and people who find themselves in difficulties are being urged to seek help rather than just abandoning animals. "Kittens take a lot of care, as do their mothers, and there are numerous people who don't think twice when allowing their cat to become pregnant. "The result is they panic when they can no longer afford to care for them all and dump them. "A phone call can get them the support and advice they need and will enable them to surrender their animals to the charities which will then care for them and find them their forever homes. "My message is simple, you wouldn't abandon a baby so why do it to a kitten?" said Tara. She said many animal charities provided not only advice but also financial support to have pets neutered - Cats Protection Minehead branch is currently offering to pay £40 towards the cost of neutering a female and £20 towards a male feline. Anyone who would like help and advice or who could offer a home to a rescue cat or kitten should contact the charity on 0845 371 2761.