19th November 2025
Nine cats who were cruelly dumped in a single mesh carrier by a busy Herefordshire road have had their lives ‘changed for the better’ by a kind-hearted member of the public, a vet and charity team who have since named them after characters from Wicked.
The four male and five female black cats were found late at night in a layby of the A465 by Iola Thompson, 18, and her partner Ollie Desborough, 20, who had paused to pick up soft drinks at nearby Lock’s Garage. They had planned to pause for the refreshments in the parking area, which is screened from the road by trees, before continuing home to King’s Acre when they spotted the cats.
Iola explains: “We pulled off the road and I immediately saw the nine sets of glowing eyes caught in the headlights, beaming back at me from the carrier. I was really scared, I didn’t know whether it was a trap. It was 10.50pm and pitch black. I asked Ollie to get out and look which was when we discovered it was cats and maybe kittens. I knew we couldn’t leave until we’d found somewhere for them. We called our parents who rang the police who couldn't help and RSPCA who were closed. Luckily, we have a dog so called our emergency vet and were told to take them straight in.”
Iola and Ollie picked up the heavy carrier filled with the meowing, terrified cats and they were safely admitted to Vets4Pets at Pets at Home on Commercial Road by half-past midnight.
Upon arrival the cats, who are around 1-2 years old, were released from the filthy carrier which barely held them all. Assessment by Practice Owner and Veterinary Surgeon Dr Elliot Goodwin, found them covered in their own excrement and visibly stressed after such a traumatic experience, having been left on the roadside in wind and rain.
Dr Goodwin expressed shock and deep concern that someone could feel so desperate that they would abandon innocent animals in such dangerous and horrible conditions.
He said: “It was harrowing to see them so frightened, and although we wanted to comfort them, we adopted a hands-off approach to avoid adding to their stress. They needed time to rest and recover before we could carry out a thorough assessment.” Elliot went on to remind owners that whatever the circumstance, there is never any justification for this kind of action.
The cats were neutered, microchipped, received flea and worm treatments as well as removal of a broken tooth for one of the cats free of charge. They were also vaccinated and tested for FIV before being transferred to Cats Protection Herefordshire Cat Centre.
He added: “Over the following days, it was incredibly rewarding to see their personalities start to emerge as they learned to trust us, even during health checks and neutering procedures. We were delighted that Cats Protection could support their journey to a better future, and we look forward to hearing how they settle into their new homes.”
The cats have been named The Wizard, Elphaba Thropp, Glinda Upland, Madame Morrible, Doctor Dillamond, Dorothy Gale, Nessarose Thropp, Boq Woodsman and Fiyero Tigelaar after characters from the Wicked film and book franchise.
Iola adds: “The day after we found the cats I had felt awful, I didn’t understand how somebody could do something so cruel. Anything could have happened if we hadn’t found them, but I realised we had done a good thing and at least now they will have a better future. My Dad has even said he’s hoping to adopt one of them!”
Faye Churchill, Cats Protection Herefordshire Cat Centre Manager, says: “We are extremely grateful to Iola and Ollie for rushing all nine cats to safety and to Dr Goodwin and the team at Vets4Pets for their kindness, generosity and care of the cats before they came into the centre.
“We named the cats after characters from Wicked because thanks to a real team effort from all involved, their lives really have been changed for the better and for good. They are lovely cats with gentle personalities and although understandably nervous from their ordeal, they are settling in beautifully.”
Over the past 12 months, the charity has taken in more than 26,000 cats who were given up or abandoned.
Faye adds: “There is never any excuse to dump cats in such a casual, callous way as if they were rubbish. Ironically the layby where they were found is just a three-minute drive from our centre. We would always encourage anybody who is struggling to contact us, other rescue organisations or a vet. We may not be able to take the cats in straight away, but we will always work with you to find the best solution for you and the cats.”
Anybody wishing to find out about offering the cats a home should visit www.cats.org.uk/hereford
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Pictures and video of the cats including the carrier they were found in can be downloaded here:
For further information or an interview, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on 01825 741 911 or media.office@cats.org.uk
Cats Protection, the UK’s leading cat welfare charity, helps an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year through its national network which includes around 185 volunteer teams and 32 cat centres
Cats Protection was founded in 1927 as the Cats Protection League. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity.
Cats Protection is a registered charity 203644 (England and Wales), SC037711 (Scotland) and is listed as a Section 167 Institution by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06772997). Registered office National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, Sussex
Visit the charity’s media centre www.cats.org.uk/mediacentre