ARL investigating after kitten abandoned, left to die in Dorchester

The roughly week-old kitten did not survive what is thought to have been an intentional act of animal cruelty. ARL photo

Last weekend, a concerned resident contacted the Animal Rescue League of Boston's (ARL) Field Services Department after finding a kitten with a plastic bag tied around his head in a residential neighborhood in Dorchester. The male kitten, who was estimated to be just 1-2 weeks old, sadly died days after being rescued.

ARL Law Enforcement is investigating the matter as an act of animal cruelty and abandonment, as it's believed the bag was placed over the kitten's head intentionally. This action is also believed to have directly contributed to the animal's decline and untimely death.

Animal cruelty is a felony in Massachusetts, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Anyone with information on this act of animal cruelty is urged to contact ARL Law Enforcement at 617-426-9170, or via emailcruelty@arlboston.org.

“This is a sad day at ARL, however we remain steadfast and committed to discovering who may have committed this act of cruelty on a defenseless kitten,” said ARL President Dr. Edward Schettino. “If anyone has any information, we plead for you to reach out so we may give this kitten some peace and perhaps save the lives of more vulnerable animals.”


Subscribe to the Dorchester Reporter