Eight tiny kittens shivering in a small cage on a Great Northern Boulevard sidewalk were pulled to safety late Monday after an Austin resident called 9-1-1. Sgt. Ben Mewis found the kittens with no food, water or shelter, and officers from the Baker 300s unit rushed them to the city shelter for care.
Last night, we received a 9-1-1 call about kittens found in a cage on Great Northern Blvd. APD Sergeant Ben Mewis responded and found eight kittens freezing in a cage along a sidewalk with no shelter, food, or water. The Baker 300s (Central West Austin) responded and were able to… pic.twitter.com/lPDjKiswSy
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) January 27, 2026
Rescue on Great Northern Blvd
According to the Austin Police Department, officers responded to a 9-1-1 call and discovered eight kittens in a cage along the sidewalk on Great Northern Blvd. Sgt. Ben Mewis and the Baker 300s team moved the animals out of the freezing weather and into police care. In its post, the department reminded the public, “It is never ok to leave animals outside in freezing weather with no shelter, food, or water, especially babies.”
Taken to Austin Animal Center
APD said the Baker 300s unit transported the kittens to the Austin Animal Center for medical checks and shelter. According to Austin Animal Center, the facility at 7201 Levander Loop accepts animals in need and maintains public information about intake status and hours. The center’s site also notes recent winter-weather closures and ongoing capacity pressures that can affect when and how animals are brought in.
Police Ask For Tips
The department asked anyone who knows who left the kittens in the cage to contact the APD Animal Cruelty Unit at 512-974-6907, according to the Austin Police Department. Police thanked the Baker 300s shift for their response and urged residents to report similar incidents. Tips can help investigators determine whether criminal neglect or abandonment took place.
What the Law Says
Under Texas law, abandoning animals or failing to provide necessary food, water, or shelter can be a criminal offense. The Texas Penal Code prohibits failing to provide necessary care, with penalties that depend on how severe the conduct is and whether there are prior convictions.
How Locals Can Help
Local shelters have been under strain during recent cold snaps, and the Austin Animal Center has repeatedly urged adoption, fostering, and donations to free up space for urgent intakes. As reported by Community Impact, area shelters have faced significant capacity challenges in recent months. If you encounter animals in danger, officials say you should call 9-1-1 or contact the Austin Animal Center for guidance on intake, fostering, and available resources.
