Rhode Island SPCA asks public not to abandon animals at shelter after cat found inside litter box

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking the public not to leave animals at the shelter after a cat was found in a covered litter box on Monday morning.

Shelter staff said someone abandoned a five-month-old tabby cat in a litter box, weighed down by a large rock, by the front door.

The RISPCA said the cat is safe and healthy and will soon be available for adoption.

“We have proudly named this kitty Gordon in honor of Major General Gordon Granger who gave the order proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865 which gave rise to today’s celebration of Juneteenth,” staff said.

RISPCA staff found a cat abandoned inside a covered litter box at the shelter on Monday. (Photo courtesy of the RISPCA)

The organization said animals have been left outside the shelter before, and that it’s not the proper way to surrender a pet.

Abandoning animals at the shelter, especially outside of business hours, puts them at risk to unpredictable situations. Staff said weather and other animals are the biggest concerns.

The RISPCA has steps for people who make the difficult decision to surrender their animals.

People are asked to call the shelter at 401-438-8150 to make an appointment with the animal. If it’s urgent, people are asked to bring the animal to the shelter when it’s open.

Staff need to evaluate the animals in order to find them new homes.

“We believe these owners who are abandoning their pets at the Rhode Island SPCA are doing so because they trust that we will take care of their animals and find them new homes,” staff said. “They may also believe they are doing what is best for these animals, which is not the case.”

The shelter is able to waive the surrender fee for those experiencing financial hardships.