https://archive.triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/police-investigating-17-cats-dumped-at-kittanning-shelter-without-food-water/
Police investigating 17 cats dumped at Kittanning shelter without food, water
Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review
Orphans of the Storm animal shelter officials say all of the 17 cats dropped off at the shelter this week appear to be well-cared for and in good health.
Police are investigating after 17 live cats were dropped off at a Kittanning animal shelter in sealed plastic tubs with no food, water or air holes.
Orphans of the Storm shelter manager Bethann Galbraith said Monday she learned who was responsible over the weekend and gave that information to state police. She declined to identify the suspect, but said: “This is a young man that did not need to decide to do this.”
State police officials in the Kittanning barracks said Tuesday the station opened an investigation. Galbraith said whomever is responsible could face fines of $5,000 and two years in jail per cat.
Galbraith said Friday the cats were lucky to be alive and offered $500 to anyone who offered information that led to the apprehension of those responsible.
Seven cats were first dropped off in a sealed plastic tub Nov. 1 and another 10 on Nov. 9, Galbraith said. The shelter, Galbraith said, was at full capacity on Friday, caring for up to 175 dogs and cats, the majority of which are felines.
Galbraith does not believe the cats are strays. The cats had updated shots and most of them were neutered and spayed when they were left outside the shelter, Galbraith said.
“They’re all very friendly and affectionate,” she said. “They’ve been handled and well-taken care of before being here. They’re healthy and have been vetted.”
The shelter published a picture of the cats Friday on its Facebook page. The post had nearly 1,200 shares by Monday and almost 200 comments. Since the social media post, Galbraith said about a dozen people have signed up to provide foster homes for the cats.
Several of those commenting on the shelter’s Facebook post thought their missing cats resembled some of the 17 that were dropped off at the shelter. Galbraith said she is not certain how someone ends up with 17 cats but that she was certain the cats were not stolen.
“They’re not running around picking up cats,” she said.
Anyone willing to foster a cat is asked to call the shelter 724-548-4520.
Dillon Carr is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Dillon at 412-871-2325, dcarr@tribweb.com or via Twitter @dillonswriting.
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