Security Cam Shows Cat's Heartbreaking Reaction After Being Left at Shelter
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Footage of a heartbreaking animal abandonment has been shared online after a person left a cat uncaged on a front porch before quickly walking away.
The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, 2025 at approximately 12:15 p.m., according to Josh Reyes, director of operations at Plainfield Area Humane Society (PAHS), New Jersey. Just five minutes later, the cat was spotted by the Shelter Manager, who happened to be checking for donations at the front entrance.
"She was beginning to move toward the busy street when we found her," Reyes told Newsweek. "Thankfully, we were able to safely secure her in time."
In the footage, a person in a hood walked toward the porch of the rescue, letting the cat out of a cage and leaving her there, with a busy road nearby. As they walk away, the feline looks back but thankfully did not move before being discovered by the rescue.
Pictures from the security footage of the moment the cat was abandoned on the front porch.
Pictures from the security footage of the moment the cat was abandoned on the front porch.
Plainfield Area Humane Society PAHS
Initial evaluations by the shelter's staff revealed that the cat is young, friendly, and appears to be in good health. Notably, she has expressed mammary glands, which suggests she may be pregnant or recently gave birth.
Per New Jersey state law, the cat will be held at PAHS for seven days, after which she will become available for adoption. "We are committed to finding her a loving and permanent home," Reyes said. "She deserves a life where she never has to experience abandonment again."
Animal shelters continue to navigate large intake numbers in 2025. Recent data from Shelter Animals Count shows that 1,944 animals were surrendered as of April 25, 2025, an increase of around 11 percent compared to the same time in 2024.
"Shocked cat didn't run thank gosh," said Rachel, while Laura added: "So sad, broke my heart when the cat was watching her walk away."
While there is currently no information about the person who abandoned the cat, Reyes and his team are hoping that the public can help identify them. Abandoning an animal is a criminal offense in New Jersey under State Statute.
PAHS shared the surveillance footage on its Facebook page, hoping to crowdsource leads and raise awareness. In response, members of the community have shared their outrage and concern for the pet.
"Our goal is to understand what led to this situation," Reyes said. "A simple phone call to our organization could have changed everything for this cat. Shelters like ours are overwhelmed, but we will always do our best to help—no animal should be left behind like this."
PAHS urges anyone with information about the individual in the video to come forward by contacting the shelter directly.
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