Cat Left in Carrier During Heat in Hastings

A 25-pound cat left in a carrier outside a local veterinarian's office in Hastings was found six hours later with a 104-degree fever on August 10, police reported.

Big Ben, as the vet's office named the large black and white feline, was left on the doorstep at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning by a man police are hoping to identify using video surveillance.

The veterinarian notified police about the cat, which was treated at his office, after 5 p.m. that evening.

Police said if the suspect is identified, he could face animal abuse charges in the village.

Hastings Police Chief David Bloomer urged residents to not resort to abandoning their pets.

"There are other avenues," he stated, adding there are 24-hour animal hospitals in the area and veterinarians who can help residents make arrangements in advance.

And if you've exhausted other options, the Hastings Police Department is open 24 hours and will accept unwanted pets, if absolutely necessary, to keep them off the streets.