Eight kittens rescued after being left in a tied bag outside Chatham shelter

Myriam Armstrong (left) and foster volunteer Maddy McLellan) with kittens in Chatham, Ont., on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

A Chatham-area animal rescue is urging the public to seek help rather than abandon pets after eight young kittens were found tied inside a grocery bag outside its front door on Tuesday.

Pet and Wildlife Rescue says the two-week-old kittens were discovered during business hours, prompting concern for their safety and renewed calls for responsible surrender practices.

“So we had one of our volunteers let us know there was a bag in the front of the shelter that was moving,” said executive director Myriam Armstrong. “He brought it in, and sure enough, there was eight kittens wiggling in the bag.”

In a social media post, the organization said the animals were panting, overheated and stressed when they were found, adding that leaving them in a tied bag could have had serious consequences.

Armstrong said while the rescue sees animal abandonments every year, the way these kittens were dropped off stood out.

“We see it every year… but usually they come in a cardboard box or a carrier,” she said. “This is just a little extreme to just tie a knot on a grocery bag and drop them off in front of the shelter, especially when we’re open.”

The rescue also shared a surveillance image of the person believed to have left the kittens. Armstrong said potential consequences depend on the circumstances.

“If it’s the first time and the person shows that they really didn’t understand the consequences, we may just discuss it,” she said. “If it’s not the first time… it is a $365 fine for abandoning an animal.”

She added that each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis, with an emphasis on education.

The incident comes during what the organization describes as its busiest time of year, with young animals requiring intensive, around-the-clock care.

“Kittens take a lot of resources… every staff member has kittens at home,” Armstrong said. “Every three hours through the night, we get up and feed them, so we can only take so many kittens, otherwise we wouldn’t sleep at all.”

The rescue said unexpected abandonments place additional strain on already limited staff and foster capacity.

Despite that pressure, Armstrong said the community response was immediate after the organization posted about the situation online.

“Within ten minutes, people are calling, and within about an hour and a half we had fosters for each kitten,” she said.

Among those who stepped up was first-time foster volunteer Maddy McLellan of Blenheim, who is now caring for two of the kittens.

“I’ve never fostered before. So, this is my very first time,” McLellan said, adding she and her family felt compelled to help.

“We were like, ‘oh, we have to.’ It’s a perfect opportunity.”

McLellan, who lives on a farm and has experience caring for animals, said the first night went smoothly, with overnight feedings helping the kittens settle in.

She hopes others will consider fostering, even if they feel unprepared.

“I think people think sometimes that they have to have everything,” she said. “But… you could probably do it. You can probably take care of kittens.”

Still, she described the circumstances surrounding the kittens’ arrival as upsetting.

“It’s pretty heartbreaking to see,” McLellan said. “You could have just come in and asked for resources.”

Armstrong echoed that message, stressing the rescue offers support without judgment for those struggling to care for animals.

“It’s not hard. We’re not judgmental… there’s no fees. Just bring them in and we can give them the appropriate care,” she told CTV News.

She said the organization can also provide pet food, guidance and help with rehoming when needed.

“If you have any difficulties with pets… put your pride aside and just prioritize the health of the animal,” Armstrong said.