Dropping Temperatures Bring Dangers for Homeless Animals

12/22/2009 12:00:00 AM

Monday, Dec. 7, staff at the Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA found two kittens and a mother cat outside in the shelter in a cardboard box. The kittens suffered in the extreme cold and were most likely dropped off sometime between 7 p.m. Sunday, when the staff left for the day and 6 a.m. Monday, when the first staff member arrived. Once the cats were discovered, the staff rushed to get the cats warmed up and fed.

"This time of year it is particularly dangerous to leave pets outside in the cold," said Susan Wenzel-Bertelsen, Chief Humane Officer for the Chemung County SPCA. "It pains us that people just dump animals in the freezing weather and don't consider the consequences."

The Chemung County SPCA does not have a round-the-clock staff and has set hours of operation, so it is unwise to leave animals outside the shelter in the bitter cold, not to mention it is cruel and inhumane. If you have to surrender animals or have stray animals you have picked up, please bring them in through the proper channels. This means animals should be brought in during times when the shelter is open. If you absolutely must bring an animal in during non-business hours, please call the shelter and follow instructions to contact the animal control officer on duty.

The three cats from Dec. 7 are doing well and were given the names Crystal, Frosty and Tiny Tim. All three cats are being treated for upper respiratory infections and the smallest kitten, Tiny Tim, also suffers from a deformity that causes him to drag his back legs. A visit to the veterinarian determined that he would be fine and may start using his back legs. Since the initial vet visit, the staff at the Chemung SPCA started to work with Tiny Tim to strengthen his back legs. He looks to make a remarkable recovery and has started walking gingerly.

We are hoping with the community's support we can give Tiny Tim and his feline family a Christmas miracle. If you are interested in adopting or fostering Tiny Tim and his family, please call the SPCA at 607-732-1827.