SPCA: Mother Cat, 4 Dead Kittens Found Abandoned In Patchouge

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Suffolk County SPCA is investigating after a mother cat and four dead kittens were founded abandoned in Patchogue on Wesndesday.

According to officials, a local resident discovered the cat and her dead kittens in a trailer carrier that was left alongside a deserted, wooded path off Grove Avenue near Newin and Smith Streets.

"We're assuming that it gave birth elsewhere and someone placed the adult cat in there with the babies," SPCA Chief Roy Gross told 1010 WINS.

The carrier had the letters "TOH" written on it, which investigators believe are initials.

The mother cat was taken into foster care and will be put up for adoption, officials said.

She looked to be healthy and did not appear to be feral, Gross said.

"We're speculating that somebody didn't want it anymore and left it out in the woods, actually put a can of cat food outside the crate as well," he said.

The person responsible is facing five counts of animal cruelty for abandonment, Gross said.

"To do something like this is just a heinous act of animal cruelty," he said.

A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The Suffolk County SPCA is asking anyone with information about the incident to call 631-382-7722. Callers can remain anonymous.