That Cat Allegedly Put In Dryer? ‘Inaccurate,’ NJ Shelter Says

NEWARK, NJ — Allegations about an abused kitten found inside a running dryer in a North Jersey laundromat last month are “inaccurate,” shelter staff say.

On Monday, the Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park Shelter walked back a previous statement about an alleged case of animal abuse, calling it “inaccurate.” Staff apologized for the error.

Earlier this month, the Associated Humane Societies (AHS) said a 5-month-old kitten was found inside in a running dryer at a laundromat in Linden.

“Thankfully, she was found before she burned to death,” the shelter stated. “She sustained burns to her fur and is currently being treated for eye and ear infections as well. She is resting comfortably and expected to make a full recovery.”

• See related article: Kitten In Dryer, Other Animal Cruelty Reported In North Jersey

But that report wasn’t entirely true, AHS later said.

Staff wrote:

“The case of the kitten that was reported to be found in a running drying in a laundromat in Linden, NJ on Friday, Aug. 28 is incorrect. Further investigation into this case revealed that the kitten, while sick and injured, was actually spotted by a family in Linden who noticed that she was in need of assistance. While attempting to rescue the kitten, she leapt into a dryer (not running) in the laundromat. They were able to retrieve her and call out an officer from our AHS Newark location, who brought her back to the facility for medical care. She is under medical treatment now for a variety of ailments and is expected to make a full recovery, but we regret the misinformation in this case.”

However, the other two cases of abuse are accurate, AHS added. The shelter is offering a $1,000 reward for information in these cases that leads to arrests and convictions.

“Those cases include a 12-week-old kitten that was wrapped tightly in a bag and thrown from a moving vehicle on Aug. 29, and a 1-year old cat that was abandoned behind a dumpster at our Newark facility, with a bag wrapped around his injured and necrotic front leg,” AHS stated. “Both of these cases occurred in Essex County and we are still seeking your assistance with any information in these cases.”

Anyone with information can contact 973-824-7080 or info@ahscares.org.

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