Yesterday, It Takes a Village Canine Rescue posted a video and message to Facebook.

Two tiny, sickly kittens were dumped at our doorstep today with no water and a temperature of 83 degrees when we were closed. Fortunately, our animal caretakers found them.

There are so many reasons why you should WAIT until a humane society is open to surrender your animal.

  • First up, it is ILLEGAL. You can be prosecuted if you leave an animal anywhere without a plan for its care.
  • The animal is without food or water for an unknown amount of time.
  • The animal could be left in hot or cold temperatures for an unknown amount of time. Lindsey, the Director of the Warrick Humane Society told me that last summer, someone put a dog in a carrier next to all the other carriers outside. They didn't notice the dog until 1 PM that day. It could have easily died in the hot temps.
  • The staff does not know if the animal is a stray or an unwanted pet. If the animal has health issues, they need to know. Likewise, if it's healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, they need to know that too so they aren't double vaccinated.
  • If left in an unsecured cage, an animal can escape and face serious danger. Strays need to be quarantined at animal control. Health problems can put all the other animals in danger.
  • Finally, leaving an animal in a box for an unknown amount of time is cruel.

Now, many will argue that dropping off an unwanted animal is better than killing it or letting it go in a remote area. But, come on, be a good human. Treat other living creatures with care. The humane society staff is there to help find homes for animals and many rescues don't take strays, they pull from animal control. They want to help and they care about the well-being of these pets. Wait until the humane society is open so they aren't put in any danger.