Three new-born kittens are fighting for their lives after being abandoned in a plastic bag in County Longford.

Gardaí found the kittens near Rathcline Cemetery in Lanesborough yesterday and handed them over the ISPCA National Animal Centre near Keenagh.

The ISPCA said it is not clear how long they were the were left out in heavy rains and windy conditions.

Centre Manager Hugh O’Toole said they nearly died of the cold.

“The bag would not have provided enough warmth and the kittens would have succumbed to hypothermia,” he said.

“They were shaking with the cold and completely soaked from the rain. The kittens are no more than four weeks old and sadly have experienced the very worst start in life.

“It’s heartless to think that someone placed them in a bag and just abandoned them.”

Kittens abandoned in Longford. Image: ISPCA

He said they were wrapped u in towels and placed on heated pods as soon as they arrived the ISPCA centre.

“We were very concerned they are suffering from exposure,” he said.

“It’s heart-breaking to hear them cry for their mother as they are too young to be separated but they are safe now.

“The next few days will be critical but we are hopeful they will make full recoveries in our care.”

The ISPCA said it takes an average of 54 days’ worth of care, attention and treatment to help an animal to recover after they experience this level of cruelty.

You can donate to the ISPCA and help home some of Ireland’s most vulnerable animals by donating here.

The charity is currently caring for 240 dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and ponies.