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Chatham

Kitten dumping in Chatham leads to abandonment charges

Animal abandonment charges have been laid against the person who dumped a bag of kittens outside an animal rescue shelter in Chatham.

Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) Executive Director Myriam Armstrong told CK News Today the accused faces a $365 fine for abandonment under Section 12.1 of the Responsible Animals Ownership municipal bylaw, adding this is the second time the suspect has allegedly done it.

This time, eight two-week-old kittens tied inside a grocery bag were dropped off at PAWR's front door during business hours on Tuesday. The shelter said the kittens were panting, overheated, stressed, but alive.

Armstrong said the kittens are not ready yet to be adopted and still need bottle feeding. She noted they'll be ready for adoption in another four to six weeks.

She said sadly this type of animal abandonment happens several times each year.

PAWR urges people who are struggling to call them to determine how they can help, adding there are plenty of options available.

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