Newborn Kittens Abandoned Outside, Nearly Freeze To Death In Seymour: Officials

SEYMOUR, CT — Eight newborn kittens were found abandoned and nearly frozen to death on Moss Avenue Saturday afternoon, according to Woodbridge Regional Animal Control.

A local resident found the kittens, which had been left on the side of the road in a Target shopping bag, around 2 p.m., officials said. The kittens still had their umbilical cords attached.

The kittens were brought to Whiskers Pet Rescue in Southbury, and as of Monday, all were alive and receiving ongoing, around-the-clock care.

Officials said they do not have any information on the fate of the kittens’ mother.

An animal advocacy organization, Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of whoever is responsible for abandoning the kittens.

Zilla Cannamela, president and co-founder of Desmond’s Army, said the organization hopes the reward will help bring about an arrest and swift prosecution.

“Abandoning eight helpless newborns to die in the cold is an act of pure cruelty that cannot go unpunished,” Cannamela said.

An experienced foster for Whiskers Pet Rescue has been feeding the kittens every couple of hours.

“The foster reports the kittens are doing well so far, but the tiny babies remain extremely vulnerable without their mother,” Desmond’s Army said, in announcing the reward.

The kittens can’t be placed on hold, applied for, or adopted until they are at least nine to ten weeks old, according to the pet rescue, which needs more bottle feeders and fosters.

An animal cruelty investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on who is responsible is asked to contact Woodbridge Regional Animal Control at 203-389-5991.