Covered Tub Of Kittens Dumped In Parking Lot Of Animal Shelter

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — SPCA officials say that an unknown person packed up a tub with an unwanted litter of kittens and dumped the closed container in the parking lot of the shelter.

"Yesterday, we found a covered tub of kittens that someone had dumped in our parking lot," SPCA officials said in a statement released on Monday. "Fortunately, an alert staff member noticed the covered tub and brought the kittens inside before they froze. We are reviewing our camera footage to see if we can identify the person who left them."

Officials said that there wasn't any reason at all for animals to suffer in this situation.

"Dumping defenseless animals is not only inhumane, but unnecessary," the agency said on social media. "We are grateful the person at least left them on our grounds instead of by the side of road or in a field, but they could just as easily have contacted us to surrender, and the kittens would not have had to go through the ordeal of being left in the cold in a box with barely any air."

Officials said there are simple solutions that don't involve taking cruel and potentially illegal actions.

"These kittens were clearly an unwanted litter, a situation that never has to happen to any responsible pet owner," officials said. "Together, we can reduce the number of unwanted litters and ensure no animal has to endure a frightening and unsafe experience like this. Thank you for helping us create a community of care and compassion for all animals."

The SPCA said anyone considering dumping unwanted pets, can call 845-452-7722 x403 to surrender them properly, so that they will be safe and well cared for. Those with unneutered pets can call 845-452-7722 x425 to reach the low-cost spay neuter clinic.