Kelowna SPCA appeals for help in caring for kitten reportedly thrown out of moving car

The B.C.SPCA is asking for the public's help in caring for a seven-weekold kitten called Ivysuffering from severe injures after a witness observed her being thrownfroma moving car on an Okanagan highway.

Sean Hogan, manager of the SPCA centre in Kelowna, says an animal lover travelling to Lake Country on June 4sawa car ahead slow down, roll down a window, andtoss a tiny black bundle onto the shoulder of the highway.

The rescuertook the crying kitten andrushed her to an emergency animal clinic.

Veterinarians immediately administered painkillers.The SPCA says the impact was so severe that the kitten's tail skin was almost completely removed, forcing vets to amputate it. One of her legs was also fractured, requiring further surgery.

"Ivy is a fighter and survivor," Hogan said. "She has made great progress in a few days and though she's a bit wobbly, she's started to move around a bit more now that she's no longer in pain."

Hogan said the SPCA didn't receive enough information to launch an investigation into animal cruelty in the case.

During this COVID-19 pandemic animal shelters and adoption groups have seen a surge in pet adoption, and abandonment, as people deal with stress.

"I think the best of people even in the worst circumstances,"Hogan said."Ijust really wish that this personwould have reached out to us so we could have helped the kitten more [before] all this injury and trauma."

The B.C.SPCAoperates a provincial hotline to reportanimalsin distress at 1-855-622-7722.

The company Petsecure has pledged to match all donations to SPCA for Ivy's medical care, up to $3,500.

The SPCA says the kitten's rehabilitation will take time, but she should have a normal life once recovered.

Hogan says seven weeksis a "golden age"of socialization and developmentfor cats, the time when kittens have just opened their eyes, and begin exploring the surrounding world.

"She loves to play with string toys and is eager for the attention from staff," Hogan said.

Once Ivy recovers from surgeries, she will be available for adoption in about six to eight weeks' time.