CAT

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ing in the form of a green plastic bin measuring approximately 18 inches wide, 36 inches long and 15 inches tall.

Unfortunately, the container wasn’t filled with donated dog food or chew toys or blankets, but an orange cat, apparently dumped at the shelter overnight.

“On this very cold morning, we drove up to discover this sweet orange baby in a plastic container waiting for us,” said Animal Shelter director Becky Blundell. “We don’t know how long this little girl had been there waiting for rescue.”

While the kitty was taken inside and cared for, there is no room for her at the shelter due to a recent influx of cats.

“We have to find somewhere to put her as we are currently full and are in desperate need for fosters or adopters,” Blundell said.

“If you’re able to help please come to the shelter.

So far, little girl here looks good… just very cold and shaken up.”

Whether the cat was an unwanted Christmas present, a pet no longer able to be cared for or simply someone who wanted to get rid of an unwanted animal, Arkansas Code 5-62101 makes abandoning an animal, even outside a shelter, a Class A Misdemeanor and punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year cost of care or replacement of the animal and counseling. The charge is Cruelty to Animals and is defined as “Knowingly abandining any animal, subjecting it to cruel mistreatment or cruel neglect, or killing an animal without the owner’s consent.”

The cat is currently at the Marion Animal Shelter and is available for fostering or adoption. For more information on the cat or any of the animals currenty at the shelter, find the City of Marion Animal Shelter on Facebook, visit the shelter during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1101 L.H. Polk, in Marion, or call (870) 739-5412.

If you have any information about the individual who abandoned the cat at the shelter, contact the Marion Police Department at (870) 739-2101.