Three kittens abandoned in home, starved to death - Boswell, PA

Wednesday, Feb 21, 2007

The Humane Society of Somerset County is searching for information on a person who abandoned three kittens in a Boswell home, which lead to their deaths.

The owner of the house, which is located along Mexico Street, found the kittens while checking on the vacant rental property, according to the society's press release.

"We found out about this when the landlord went to the house, around Feb. 21, and the landlord informed us," said Elaine Gower, the humane officer.

The door lock had been forced open and there were signs that a person had been staying in the house, the press release said, along with empty cat food containers.

"We had the bodies examined by the vet," Gower said.

A necropsy performed by a veterinarian at Laurel Highlands Animal Hospital along Stoystown Road in Somerset showed the 12-weeks-old kittens starved to death after the available food ran out and they were unable to get out of the house, Gower said.

"It's very hard to tell how long they had been dead," she said. "There were empty containers of food so somebody put them in there and it wasn't an accident."

The house has been vacant for almost two years, Gower said.

"There are a lot of houses on Mexico Street. Someone was going in and out of there earlier in the winter," she said. "We're hoping somebody will come out and talk to us."

As the humane officer, Gower is trying to ask residents along Mexico Street questions that may help lead to the conviction of the person who abandoned the kittens.

According to the society's press release, neglect of each animal could carry a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750 per violation.

Anyone with information can call the Humane Society at 443-2121 and leave a message for Gower.

References

• Daily American Online - March 8, 2007

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