Staff from the Chautauqua County Humane Society recently rescued three cats that had been abandoned near the back entrance of the facility. Staff found the cat before any serious injuries occurred. With the cats now receiving proper care and treatment, and an arrest made in connection with the abandonment, two of the cats are now up for adoption and looking for a warm home.

The cats were located by staff members on Feb. 9, at around 5:20 p.m. While the facility had just closed around the time of the drop off numerous staff members were still present to attend to a cat in need of attention. During this time Malaya Rodriguez stated that she noticed a box and backpack sitting by a door at the rear entrance of the facility. While initially assuming it to be donations, upon closer inspection Rodriguez noticed glowing eyes in the backpack. Rodriguez stated that the box and backpack were right against the door, preventing it from being opened. Rodriguez would exit out of the police room door and get the cats, focusing on getting them into the building and out of the cold.

Jane Babinsky, Humane Society executive director, said two of the cats were located inside of a cardboard box that had been taped shut, with the third being found in a backpack that was so small that the organization’s adoption counselor described the cat as being “folded” in the bag. Babinsky stated that the main concern at that moment was ensuring the safety of the cats, but the following morning staff began trying to locate whoever abandoned the animals. Babinsky stated that a car had pulled up right around that time, with a man and a woman both exiting before abandoning the animals out back. Babinsky would send this footage to Animal Cruelty Officer Joel Walsh, who was quickly able to locate the woman based on the make of the car and license plate.

The woman was allegedly identified as Tina M. Holland, however Holland would not identify the man involved.

Malaya Rodriguez is pictured holding Tilli.

According to Babinsky, Holland said the cats belonged to her daughter who had recently been evicted. Holland stated that she was unable to surrender the animals due to receiving a surrender quote of $100 per cat. Babinsky said that isn’t the Humane Society’s surrender fee, having noted that the charge is $20 per cat. Babinsky mentioned that there is a nearby shelter that does have a $100 surrender fee though, alluding to the possibility that Holland may have called the wrong location. Walsh chose to pursue charges against Holland, issuing an appearance ticket for the town of Ellicott Court.

Upon being found, Babinsky described the incredible amount of fear and stress that the cats displayed. All of the cats have made significant behavioral improvements thus far, with two already having become available for adoption. The two cats that were located inside of the box, named Bob and Tilli, are up for adoption and are incredibly sweet and loving cats. Bownita, the third cat located inside of the backpack, still needs a little more time before becoming available for adoption. Babinsky stated that Bownita still has quite a spicy personality, but that the cat has shown significant improvement already. Babinsky believes that, with time, Bownita will continue to improve behaviorally.

Pictured is the backpack that Bownita the cat was found abandoned inside.