A reward of around £500 is being offered following the callous actions of two men who dumped a pair of kittens from a moving car on the Penryn bypass on Friday morning.

The kittens were killed despite the efforts of another driver who witnessed the incident and tried to go to the animals’ rescue, but was too late. He drove on to the police station and reported the matter.

The drama unfolded at 9.15am and involved an old-style red VW Golf which was being driven along the bypass in the direction of Falmouth.

The driver of the car behind saw the passenger put his arm out of the window on two occasions and drop something onto the busy carriageway.

The men’s actions have been condemned by the police and an animal charity, the founder of which first offered up a reward of £100 which has now grown to £500 following donations from other animal lovers.

Wildlife officer, PC Barry Nicholas described the men’s actions as “horrific” and said: “The driver behind pulled in straight away, but by the time he got back to the kittens plenty of cars had gone passed and they had been killed. It is a busy road and we do appeal for any other witnesses.”

The Last Chance Hotel, which rescues and re-homes animals, has also hit out at the men’s actions and it was its founder Sam B’Stard who pledged £100 of her own money as a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Volunteer Ali Rowe said: “This incident has caused public outrage and the general public have been very generous in offering money to add to the reward.

“It was absolutely appalling what happened to these little kittens, these little bundles of fluff. I have been in contact with the witness who was following the vehicle and he is absolutely devastated.

“This was a criminal act of animal cruelty and was totally unnecessary. Most people are disgusted by it because it was so unnecessary. The kittens could have been taken to any re-homing centre or vets.

“The Last Chance Hotel are trying to do things properly and professionally and are working with the police. We ask people to be patient because we know the police are investigating it, but it may take time to bring these people to justice.”

Anyone who may be able to help identify those responsible is asked to call PC Nicholas at Falmouth police station on 101, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or contact Ali Rowe via her Facebook page.