The BC SPCA Shuswap Branch is asking for the public's help in tracking down the person who abandoned two kittens in a cardboard box near the Cedar Heights Community Centre Saturday.

Barb Gosselin, of the Shuswap branch, says the kittens were left in a taped-up box placed beside the mailboxes next to the community centre. "It is hard to believe that someone could so callously leave two young, defenceless animals out in the cold, just as if they were nothing more than free clothing or furniture left at the curb. We'd like to find out who did this and are asking if anyone has tips to contact us right away."

Members of a painting crew who were volunteering at the community centre noticed the box and took the kittens to the community centre, where they stayed until someone was able to take them to the Shuswap SPCA. Because the shelter is already at full capacity with homeless cats and kittens, Gosselin and her husband have taken the two youngsters in. "They were so hungry they gulped down the food we gave them. We don't know how long they had been left outside or when they had last been fed. They are very friendly little guys and we are hoping to find a good home for them."

Gosselin says that this incident is the most recent in a string of cases, 10 to date, of abandoned cats and kittens since this past fall. "Apart from the sheer inhumanity of abandoning pets in such a cruel way, we just want to remind people that abandoning animals is an offence and anyone charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act faces a fine or time in jail."

Anyone having information about this case is asked to contact the BC SPCA Shuswap Branch at 250-832-7376.

Photo caption: (top) A cardboard box containing two kittens was left outside the Cedar Heights Community Centre on Saturday.
Photo caption: (bottom) The Shuswap branch of the BC SPCA is asking for the public's help in identifying whoever abandoned the kittens.

The BC SPCA conducts nearly 7,000 cruelty investigations a year and is reliant on donations from the public to continue its work. To find out how you can help, visit spca.bc.ca/support. 

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.