A cat was put in a black duffel bag then dumped in a bin in Rochdale.
The animal, nicknamed Jasper, was abandoned in the Belfield area on Thursday.
A council worker rescued him after hearing a miaowing sound coming from the waste bin.
They then took him to the RSPCA centre on Redcross Street.
Jasper is microchipped and has been returned to his owner, but charity bosses want to find the person responsible.
A post on the RSPCA Rochdale Animal Centre Facebook page on Thursday said: "Warning, all cat owners in the Belfield area of Rochdale.
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"Poor Jasper has been found earlier today by council workers inside an abandoned bin.
"Jasper had been put in a black duffel bag and then dumped in the bin.
"Fortunately the council workers heard him miaowing.
"Jasper did not put himself in the bin! If you have any information please contact our animal centre."
Photos of Jasper munching on some cat food while standing on weighing scales were posted along with the status.
The post provoked an angry reaction from members of the community.
Gloria Jenkins wrote: "What a mean and nasty thing to do. Hope everyone stays aware."
While Yvonne Proctor commented: "What bad people would do such a heartless thing to an innocent cat!"
Anyone with information can call the animal centre on 01706 861897.
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