Kittens Rescued from Storm Drain at Quinnipiac University in Heavy Rain

HAMDEN, CT — Four kittens were rescued from a storm drain at Quinnipiac University following several hours of heavy rain thanks to a joint effort from Quinnipiac students and staff, Hamden Police and Animal Control, Public Works, an animal rescue group and more.

The kittens and their mother were first discovered on Monday night by Quinnipiac students, according to the university’s Facebook page. Hamden Assistant Animal Control Officer Steven Gimler retrieved a message from Quinnipiac University Public Safety at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday regarding the trapped kittens in the storm drain, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

UPDATE: Mother Cat Rescued, Reunited with Kittens Saved from Storm Drain at Quinnipiac

“AACO Gimler immediately responded and rescued two kittens from the storm drain,” Smith said in a press release. “Due to the impending rain, Hamden Police contacted Hamden Public Works and informed personnel that several sand bags were needed to prevent the storm drain from flooding. Hamden Public Works subsequently responded with seven sand bags. An Animal Rescue Group, Super Paws Rescue Inc., provided Animal Control with a plastic tarp to prevent flooding.

“After several hours of heavy rain, Quinnipiac University Facilities Staff erected a canopy over the storm drain to prevent flooding. Quinnipiac University then contacted a local contractor who utilized a motorized camera device to place into the storm drain. When the device was placed into the storm drain, the two remaining kittens walked into the netting which was being held by AACO Gimler.”

The four kittens were secured by Super Paws Rescue Inc., where they will be medically evaluated. Once they obtain a clean bill of health, they will be available for adoption, according to Smith.

“The Hamden Police Department would like to thank Quinnipiac University, Hamden Public Works and Super Paws Rescue Inc., for their cooperative effort in the rescue of the four kittens,” Smith said.

Quinnipiac University reports the kitten’s mother “has been deemed healthy enough to return to the surface when she liked.”

Photos courtesy of the Hamden Police Department