After a harrowing ordeal, a litter of abandoned kittens looks ahead to brighter days. Thanks to the efforts of local rescuers, the kittens were saved from a storm drain in Ohio.
Abandoned kittens rescued from storm drain in Cincinnati suburb
Residents discovered the abandoned kittens last Saturday trapped in a storm drain in Anderson Township, a suburb outside Cincinnati.
A serendipitous moment allowed cat foster mom Janet Ackerman to spring into action. She happened to drive by the intersection when she noticed something unusual. Local residents crouched over the storm drain as they attempted to lure the kittens out.
“There [were] two of the kittens that were out. I brought food with me. The third one was drawn out. I thought we were done. We thought there were only three,” Ackerman told WKRC.
Two more kittens still waited on rescue. In a situation like this, time is of the essence.
“I said, ‘Please call the fire department. It’s going to rain. The rainwater will get in here and drown the kittens. Let’s get them all out,'” Ackerman stated.
A team effort from neighbors saves the lives of trapped kittens
With help from the neighbors, Ackerman rescued five kittens in total. She then brought the litter home for a much-needed bath.
“I do think whoever had them did take care of them. Maybe they got in over their head,” Ackerman said. “They probably dumped them on the side of the road and a car went by and they went into the sewer. I’m hoping no one intentionally dumped them in the sewer.”
Ackerman, a volunteer with the foster-based rescue Dee Dee’s Felines, quarantined the kittens. She estimated the lucky kittens are between 10 and 12 weeks old. Additionally, Ackerman plans to take the kittens to the vet for vaccines and spaying or neutering.
Because of the action of a few local heroes, this bundle of cats can look forward to love from their future forever families.
If you’re looking for a way to be a cat hero, consider fostering or volunteering at your local animal shelter. You can learn more about the benefit of fostering and volunteering at rescues by visiting the ASPCA.org.
