Police are trying to track down a person who abandoned a cat near a dumpster behind the animal services center during shelter hours.
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Animal control officers are searching for answers after a cat was found abandoned in a carrier behind the city’s animal services center during business hours.
Security footage from Jan. 13 captured what appeared to be someone dropping off trash at a dumpster between 3:20 and 3:40 p.m. But when Grapevine Animal Control Officer Jacqueline Moreno approached, she discovered something unexpected.
“I was greeted with a little meow,” Moreno said. “So, I was like, oh my gosh, there’s a little baby in here.”
The cat, now named Zeus by shelter staff, had no microchip and no health problems.
“His personality is a little nervous, but he is sweet. He loves pets, head scratches, all that,” said Moreno.
But Moreno said the incident could have ended tragically.
“The carrier could have easily been run over by the garbage truck, placing the cat’s life in danger,” she said.
What puzzles Moreno most is why the person didn’t simply come inside.
“We do not charge for dropping off a stray and we also don’t charge a fee to relinquish ownership/surrender,” she said. The facility also helps families find resources for pet supplies and care.
“It’s very sad,” said local Nancy Sahlstein.
Sahlstein wasn’t surprised by the abandonment. Three years ago, her granddog Gracie was found with several other puppies zipped inside a backpack and tossed in a parking lot.
“I don’t know the situation from the person. And that’s OK if you can’t keep it. If you can’t afford it. If you are just at your wits’ end, that’s OK. But put it somewhere somebody is going to find it.”
Moreno said she was fortunate to discover Zeus when she did while responding to another call.
Investigation Underway
Grapevine Animal Services is asking for the public’s help in identifying the person seen in the surveillance video. Officials said the individual could face charges of cruelty to non-livestock, which carries potential fines and jail time.
The person is possibly a woman and was seen driving a newer model Honda Pilot.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Grapevine Animal Services at AnimalASO@grapevinetexas.gov or 817-410-3914.
Meanwhile, staff hope to find Zeus a permanent home. As Sahlstein noted about rescued animals: “They make our life better.”
We utilize the expertise of a group of diverse staff writers who help us cover an assortment of events, both locally and beyond, to keep our readers informed.
