Hey, I am not garbage...

On August 26th, I got a phone call from a woman who had found five little kittens abandoned in a local landfill.  The kittens were all huddled together in a box and she didn’t have the heart to leave them there to die.  So, she took them home with her and cared for them overnight. 

When she called me asking for help the next day, I told the woman that I was so sorry but the shelter is full to capacity (which it is) and my first reaction was how could we possibly take in five new kittens?  But, I changed my mind, took a deep breath, and we made room for them.  I’m so glad we did. 

The babies are only 4 or 5 weeks old.  Only one of them knew how to drink milk.  Thankfully all of them could eat solid food…but we have had to teach them how to drink from a bowl and are still giving liquids by syringe every 2 to 3 hours to some of them.  It’s so great to see them playing and grooming themselves already.  Their mother had obviously taught them well before they were ripped away from her. 

The support from our community and neighbouring towns for these little ones has been wonderful.  People have donated supplies and members have come over to help feed them.  I’ve had several offers to foster and some to adopt.  One little girl is pre-adopted already!

I am angry.  And others have also expressed rage especially on social media.  How can someone think that they are doing the right (or humane) thing by abandoning five babies in a dirty, unsanitary dump?  I think the kittens would have likely died from dehydration in another few hours had they not been found.  Or…they could have been eaten by wildlife.  Or..they could have died from hypothermia if it had rained.

Abandoning animals is an act of animal cruelty and people who choose to do this can be charged and/or fined.  It’s important that if you witness someone abandoning an animal, to call the RCMP and the Manitoba Animal Care Line at 204 945 8000 .  Provide the authorities with as much information as you can…take photos or get a license plate number. 

These five little ones have a second chance at life.  But, sadly I know there are many more who won’t.  If you choose to have a cat or a dog and do not have them spayed or neutered, you remain responsible for the health and welfare of any babies that may be born.  Kittens and puppies should never…ever…be disposed of like garbage.