Authorities searching for person who abandoned cat at MBTA station

BOSTON — The Animal Rescue League of Boston's Law Enforcement Department is asking for the public's help in finding the person responsible for abandoning a cat at an MBTA station on Monday.

Temperatures on Monday were in the single digits and below zero with the wind chill after a flash freeze took over the area overnight.

At around 5 p.m., a Good Samaritan passing by a bus stop at the Sullivan Square station said she heard crying coming from underneath a bench and found the cat huddled inside a carrier.

The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, said the carrier was soaked due to melting snow, making for very uncomfortable conditions, especially due to the frigid temperatures. She also reported the carrier had been "shoved" underneath the bench, and that the carrier also contained a blanket, toys and maybe some food.

She then took the cat, named "Marlee" with her to a shelter she is staying at and contacted the ARL on Wednesday, who then picked up Marlee and took her to the ARL's Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.

The ARL says Marlee had not been microchipped but was wearing a collar. They also added she does not match any missing animal reports. Despite being abandoned, Marlee seems to be very friendly and healthy.

Abandoning an animal in Massachusetts is a felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The ARL is taking this incident as a reminder to people that abandoning an animal is never an option. If you have a pet you can no longer care for, you can surrender them to a local rescue league.

For more information on the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the work and services they provide, go to their website here. 

Cox Media Group