West Hartford ACOs Miraculously Save Kitten Among Heavy Traffic

WEST HARTFORD, CT— The town's animal control department made a big save earlier in the day Thursday, saving a little kitten from certain death at the hands of a vehicle.

Four West Hartford animal control officers rescued a kitten Thursday after the animal was spotted running through traffic near Talcott Road and New Park Avenue.

According to West Hartford Animal Control, the kitten, later named "Hemi," was seen darting across roads and parking lots during a busy period of the day, creating a dangerous situation for both the animal and motorists.

West Hartford Animal Control Supervisor Kimberly Gulino, along with Officers Kelly Shimo, Jacqueline Twiss and Zach Mahan, responded and pursued the frightened kitten as it moved through the area.

The chase ended on the property of a local glass company when Hemi climbed into the engine compartment of a parked vehicle.

Officials said the rescue then shifted from pursuit to extraction, as officers developed a plan to safely remove the kitten from the confined space.

After what the department described as a collaborative effort requiring persistence and creativity, the officers were able to remove Hemi safely from the vehicle.

The kitten was taken to the West Hartford Animal Control Facility, where she is receiving care.

“Today, Hemi is resting comfortably at the West Hartford Animal Control Facility,” the department said in a social media post. “She has food, shelter, a safe place to sleep, and something she didn't have this morning—a future.”

West Hartford Animal Control thanked the team for their efforts during the rescue.

Officials said Hemi is not currently available for adoption and asked residents not to contact the department regarding her availability.

According to the department, the kitten still faces a lengthy recovery and care process before any adoption decisions are made.