THE RSPCA is investigating the deaths of five cats, suspected of being tortured, after their severely injured bodies were found on a roadside in the Barossa Valley.

A couple discovered the dead cats on Victor Rd, about two kilometres northeast of Greenock, while walking their dogs about 11.50am on Saturday.

They reported their discovery to Nuriootpa police who then alerted the RSPCA.

RSPCA SA Inspector Cheryl Doudle and police officers attended the scene and established the cats appeared to have died sometime within the previous 24 hours.

“All five cats had suffered head injuries,” the RSPCA said in a statement.

“One cat had had its tail removed, one of the cat’s tails was broken and two of the cats’ tails had been ‘degloved’.”

All of the cats were of a good body weight, suggesting they may be pets.

One of the deceased felines was microchipped and authorities have advised its owner, who lives in Greenock.

The owner said her cat had been missing for about 24-28 hours.

The remaining cats were not microchipped and had no identification, prompting the RSPCA to issue an appeal for information to help locate the owners.

The cats were described as a:

BLACK and white four-month-old domestic short-hair male kitten.

WHITE and tabby domestic short hair 10-month-old female cat.

WHITE and tabby domestic short hair female adult cat.

BLACK and white domestic short hair female adult cat, who was heavily pregnant.

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty hotline on 1300 477 722.