Five kittens were found tied in a bag on Gee Road April 25. Nearly dead, the kittens continue their recovery at KARE, Inc., a Kirkville-based animal rescue.
Kinney Drugs, Others Offering Money, Goods, Services
By Martha E. Conway
(Town of Sullivan, NY – May 2013
) Five kittens found April 25 tied in a bag and left for dead on Gee Road in the town of Sullivan continue to recover this week at Kirkville Animal Rescue and Education, Inc., after being rescued from deplorable conditions. The litter was soaked in urine and feces, had inhaled ammonia fumes – unable to replenish their oxygen supply, been starved and was exhibiting symptoms of advanced exposure when being found by a woman walking nearby.
The woman called police, who then called Sullivan Animal Control Officer Kim Muehlenbein; her assessment was that they might have an hour left to live and rushed them to Chittenango Animal Hospital, where staff evaluated and helped clean the kittens.
Last week, one of the kittens began exhibiting symptoms of upper respiratory infection; in fact, Muehlenbein had been keeping them with her around-the-clock at home and work to be on top of anything that might crop up.
“We expected it and were looking for it,” Muehlenbein said, explaining the toxic air quality in the bag and chilly spring temperatures made them susceptible. “The first one that got sick already is much better, and they are all on antibiotics now.”
She said the kittens are active, curious and playful.
Kinney Drug Store of Cazenovia has donated starter supplies – “adoption kits” containing things such as food and litter – to send home with the kittens when they are adopted into forever families.
“Happy Valley Animal Hospital of Verona has pledged to provide low-cost spaying and neutering,” Muehlenbein said. “A woman has emailed pledging cash toward spaying and neutering, and we are keeping a list of people who want to adopt them.”
Muehlenbein said she couldn’t emphasize the importance of sterilization in keeping the unwanted pet population down.
For more information on adopting these rescued kittens or helping with their rehabilitation, contact KARE, Inc., at info@kareinc.org or 315.247.8276; for more information on the town of Sullivan Animal Control Office, call 315.687.7308 or email kmuehlenbein@townofsullivan.org.
Anyone with information on who may have dumped the kittens on Gee Road around Thursday, April 25, is asked to contact Inv. Dennis Dougherty of the State Police at 315.366.6000.