23 cats found abandoned in dog crate; SPCA seeks public's help

The Thunder Bay Animal Control services were called to Wilson Street Park on Tuesday where they found 23 cats and kittens abandoned in one dog crate.

An Ontario SPCA officer from the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society has launched an investigation, according to a news release from the OSPCA.

One kitten in the crate was found deceased. Thunder Bay-based OSPCA agent Jeremy Gardiner confirmed another cat had to be euthanized Thursday morning due to "serious eye issues."

The discovery was both unusual and shocking said Jody Kondrat, the supervisor of Thunder Bay's animal services centre and one with little information surrounding it.

"We're shocked and disappointed, and hopefully somebody will come forward with information, so we can find out who abandoned these cats," she told CBC News.

The cats and kittens remain in the care of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society while the investigation continues. Kondrat said most of the surviving animals showed signs of having upper respiratory infections, but were otherwise fine.

"There are many local resources available should pet owners find themselves unable to care for their pets any longer," senior inspector Lynn Michaud was quoted as saying in the OSPCA release. "Abandoning your animals is never an option."

If anyone has any has any information on these animals and how they got to Wilson Street Park, they are asked to call 310-SPCA and report the information. Kondrat added that people can also call Thunder Bay police with information.