Cat Cruelly Abandoned in Snow Next to NY Highway Sparks Outrage
When you adopt a pet, you have this pet for the duration of its life or the duration of your life. At least, that's how it should be. Sadly, not everyone feels that way, including the owner of this poor cat that was dumped in a cat carrier in freezing temperatures on the side of the highway in New York State.
The New York State Police and The Herkimer County Humane Society are seeking information about who did this heinous act.
The shelter posted this on Facebook, "This is the kitty that was forced to spend the night on the side of the highway in this flimsy carrier in the cold snow last night. He was so scared we watched him roll the carrier across the yard as he was flailing around terrified."
The Humane Society also shared this street cam footage of the cat being dumped.
The shelter posted this footage two days ago and added, "Last night, March 10th at 8pm this person dumped this cat in our front yard and left him to freeze in the wet, windy and cold temps next to a busy highway until he was found by our staff at 8:00 this morning. 12 hours! We will be reviewing additional cameras and sharing more pics of kitty and the person who committed this shameful crime against him. "
Related: Dog Rescuer Warns About the Sad Practice of People Abandoning Their Dogs at Parks
The shelter also added in a comment, "There is NO reason for anyone to dump an animal outside ever for any reason. There is a proper way to transfer an animal to us including an in person interaction so we can learn more about any animal enabling us to better care for them and fulfill their needs. We will never change our views on this issue."
Humane Societies and animal shelters are not there for people just to dump their pets at when they decide they no longer want them. They provide a service which is to re-home animals. They work long, thankless hours in heartbreaking situations and have to deal with unspeakable acts of cruelty towards animals daily.
Whoever dumps an animal like this deserves criminal charges. We should all be so thankful to shelter workers all over for the amazing work they do.
What To Do If You Absolutely Have To Re-Home Your Pet
It goes without saying, you should never leave your pet anywhere. That includes leaving it in a box at your veterinarian's office or at your local shelter. Do not abandon your pet in the country, or in a supermarket parking lot, or at a park somewhere, or on the side of the road. Ever.
Before you decide to re-home your pet you should really think about the reasons why. If you are re-homing due to sickness or a death in the family, these are valid and understandable and heartbreaking reasons. If you are re-homing your pet due to a behavioral issue, seek help from a professional first because most behavior problems in pets can be corrected. Your local animal shelter may even offer free help to correct any issues that are making you consider surrendering your pet.
If you absolutely must find a new home for your pet, ask friends or family if they are interested in adopting your animal. You can try re-homing groups on social media but be sure you check references and consider asking for a small re-homing fee so you can make sure your pet is going to a good home.
Contact your local Humane Society or animal shelter and ask about their re-homing intake process. Due to shelter overcrowding there may be a waiting period. You should make a monetary donation to the organization that will try and find your pet a new home, but at the very least you should offer volunteer time in exchange for this service.
Whatever you do, don't just dump your animal somewhere, including next to a busy highway.
If you would like more information about this cat or any of the other adoptable cats at the Herkimer County Humane Society , you can visit their website here.
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