Eight kittens left to freeze in a cage that was placed on a snow-covered sidewalk in Austin, Texas, were rescued by police, igniting public outrage on social media at the owner who abandoned them.
The Austin Police Department received a call on the night of January 26 about kittens found confined in a cage outdoors, just days after a winter storm brought snow, ice and below-freezing temperatures to the city. When officers arrived, they found the eight kittens huddled together with no food or water, according to the department.
Police shared details of the discovery on X on January 27 with an update that all the kitties had been transported safely to Austin Animal Services, the city’s municipal animal shelter.
Zack Price, a marketing representative for Austin Animals Services, told Newsweek via email that the kittens are doing well within their care.
The police department is continuing to investigate the abandonment of the kitties and asks those with information on the incident to contact the Animal Cruelty Unit. Under Austin city ordinances, animal abandonment can carry criminal penalties.
“They will be available for adoption when the case is closed,” Price said.
Austin police also warned about the dangers of leaving animals outside in extreme temperatures. Part of its post X reads: “We want to remind the public that it is never ok to leave animals outside in freezing weather with no shelter, food, or water, especially babies.”
Long exposure in freezing temperatures can be life-threatening, with cats at risk of frostbite or hypothermia, according to an article from PetMD. Kittens are especially susceptible as they are unable to regulate their body heat.
Newsweek reached out to the City of Austin via email Thursday morning for additional information and comment.
The police department’s post quickly gained traction on X, drawing thousands of engagements and shares, with hundreds of comments condemning the act, calling it “pure evil,” while also praising the officers who intervened.
One user wrote: “Really sad that we have to remind people not to treat living beings like trash. Thank you for getting them off the cold streets.”
A second commented: “So glad this horrible story had a good ending.”
A third user posted: “Thank you for rescuing these precious babies. It’s time for all acts of animal cruelty to be felony charges.”
And a fourth added: “Hope they get this subhuman from Austin on camera who has abandoned these babies during an arctic storm. Thankful for the rescuers.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.