Woman abandons cat outside Redlands Animal Shelter

Animal care experts in Redlands are reminding the public that abandoning animals is illegal after a surveillance camera captured a woman leaving a cat outside a local animal shelter.

In the video, a woman is seen carrying a box containing a cat that’s inside a pet carrier and then placing the box on a bench outside the Redlands Animal Shelter. She is then seen leaving the box there and walking away.

The cat is now safe and in the care of the Redlands Animal Shelter.

The animal shelter posted the video on Wednesday in hopes the public could help identify the woman. The shelter also used it as an opportunity to remind the public that it’s unsafe and illegal to abandon an animal.

“If you can no longer care for a pet, we’re here to help,” the Redlands Animal Shelter said in a social media post. “Our team can guide you through safe surrender options or connect you with resources to keep your pet. You never have to resort to abandonment.”

Those who abandon an animal can face fines and up to six months in jail, the animal shelter warned.

Anyone who recognizes the woman in the video is encouraged to contact law enforcement.