FOUR cats and three kittens were seized from a house in Nelson after concerns over their welfare.

Police from the Nelson Neighbourhood team were joined by RSPCA officials in a warrant search of a property on Pine Street in the town on Wednesday.

Wildlife officer PC Mark Dibb said: “The RSPCA approached me regarding some concerns over the welfare of cats at an address in Pine Street, Nelson.

"On the back of that we issued a warrant under Animal Welfare Act.

“We executed it at 7am today, alongside two RSPCA inspectors and a vet.

"The RSPCA has been given possession of the cats.

"The cats and the kittens are being assessed by the vet.

“A male at the address is being investigated for any potential offences.”

In a post on the Nelson, Brierfield and Barrowford Police Facebook page, officers said that: "Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 states it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal.

"The Act contains a duty of care to animals and this means that anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure the animal’s needs are met.

"Investigations are on-going after the incident.

"If you have any concerns regarding animal welfare please use the link below which directs you to the RSPCA website where information is readily available."

Residents are being told by RSPCA officials that they can find out how to report about concerns in their community about animal welfare by visiting the website: www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus