Four Kittens Abandoned in Walmart Shopping Cart: Ashland Police and Community Step In
Joe Lyons •
August 24, 2024
Ashland, OH — In an unfortunate incident this afternoon, four baby kittens were found abandoned in a Walmart shopping cart. The Ashland Police Division was called to the scene shortly after 4 PM, where officers discovered the kittens left in a dirty box at the store’s cart return area.
Authorities are now seeking any information from the public to identify the person responsible for abandoning the kittens. Walmart security is reviewing CCTV footage from the parking lot to aid in the investigation.
Meanwhile, Walmart employees quickly took action, providing a new box and a clean towel for the kittens. In a heartwarming turn, three of the employees volunteered to take care of the kittens, ensuring they received the immediate attention they needed. The employees have promised to share pictures of the kittens later to show their progress and well-being.
I reached out to Ryan Williams from The Cat House Feline Sanctuary here in the city if Ashland for a comment, Ryan Williams said, “We understand that all local shelters, including ours, are facing significant challenges due to the overwhelming number of cats in need. We are all operating at capacity, with limited space, time, and resources, which restricts how many animals we can assist. However, all rescues and shelters share a deep commitment to helping these cats and to connecting the community with the resources and options needed to make the right decisions for their care. While the process may not be immediate and requires some effort on your part, with the right information and dedication, we can work together to ensure the best outcomes for these animals.”
Ryan Williams went on to say, “In Ohio, cats and dogs are legally classified as companion animals, and there are strict laws against abandoning, mistreating, or harming them. The Ashland community plays a crucial role by reporting any instances of neglect or abandonment to the authorities. Those who fail to do the right thing will face serious consequences for their actions.”
Ryan Williams stressed, “Most importantly, we urge you to spay and neuter your pets, as well as any stray cats in your neighborhood. Early intervention is key—kittens can begin to conceive as early as four months old. There are regional low-cost and no-cost clinics dedicated to reducing the stray population. Please support these groups, as well as your local shelters, as they cannot fulfill their mission without the community’s backing.”
Ryan Williams concluded with, “We acknowledge that this requires time, money, and effort, and we understand that “they are not your cats.” However, they are part of our community. By working together, we can manage the cat population effectively, with everyone doing their part to make a difference.”
