The Oregon Humane Society offered $500 for help finding two people who abandoned 19 cats on the doorstep of the OHS shelter in near-freezing temperatures early Tuesday morning.

OHS

Someone parked a blue Oldsmobile Cutlass and then got out to leave 15 kittens and four adult cats that were in two red plastic storage containers. OHS officials said they were next to a sign warning the public that animal abandonment is a crime.

“The worst thing to do is abandon the cat in the middle of the night. If you have a cat and cannot care for it, please call OHS so we help find your cat a home,” OHS Operations Director Susan Mentley said.

Animal abandonment is a misdemeanor that carries with it the penalty of $2,000 in fines and up to 6 months in jail.

A person commits the crime of animal abandonment if he or she intentionally leaves a domestic animal at a location without providing for the animal’s continued care.

Anyone who has information about the abandonment is urged to call OHS at (503) 285-7722, ext. 214.