A tiny black-and-white kitten, weighing less than a pound, has been given a second chance at life after being saved from a disturbing situation involving local children. The kitten, now named Oreo, was reportedly tossed back and forth like a toy in a cruel game of catch before being rescued by a police officer, according to a Pennsylvania animal shelter.
The Association for Needy and Neglected Animals (ANNA) Shelter shared the story in a September 3 Facebook post, detailing how an officer from the Erie Police Department responded to a call about the incident. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer found children “playing catch with a kitten” on the sidewalk, using the defenseless animal as if he were a ball.
The officer quickly intervened, rescuing the frightened kitten and rushing him to the ANNA Shelter, where he was immediately examined by a veterinarian. Despite the trauma, X-rays revealed that Oreo had not suffered any broken bones. However, the ordeal left him in a fragile state.
“When Oreo arrived, he was in shock,” said Ruth Thompson, director of the ANNA Shelter, in an interview with McClatchy News. “He had a bloody nose and was unresponsive to his surroundings.” Additionally, Oreo was suffering from an upper respiratory infection, further complicating his condition.
At an estimated five weeks old, Oreo was significantly underweight, tipping the scales at just three-quarters of a pound. Shelter staff worked diligently to nurse him back to health, providing him with medication, warmth, and plenty of tender care.
In a heartwarming turn of events, the very officer who saved Oreo continued to check on his recovery. Officer Martin, deeply moved by the kitten’s resilience, decided to foster him and soon committed to adopting him.
“Officer Martin stopped by several times to see how Oreo was doing,” the shelter shared. “On Saturday, he made it official—he became Oreo’s dad and hero!”
While Oreo’s future now looks bright, the incident sparked outrage in the community. Many expressed anger at the children’s actions, with some calling for punishment for both the children and their parents. Others suggested a less severe response, advocating for a serious conversation to address the behavior.
Thompson noted that, unfortunately, this was not the first time the shelter had dealt with such incidents, but Oreo’s case left a lasting impact. “It made me sick to my stomach,” she said, emphasizing her concern about the children’s lack of compassion. However, she also praised the local police for their dedication to protecting animals.
As of now, it remains unclear whether any charges will be filed. McClatchy News has reached out to the Erie Police Department for further comment but has yet to receive a response.
Related Topics
What Are The Best Cat Foods For Heart Health?
