North Miami Beach – A disturbing incident captured on surveillance footage has the community rallying around the Humane Society of Greater Miami. On Nov. 1, a driver of a white vehicle was seen tossing a basket full of cats and kittens, one by one, into the flood‑filled parking lot outside the shelter as it prepared to close for the day.
Executive Director Jossie Aguirre described the act as “cruel” and “completely unnecessary,” noting that the animals were deliberately placed in deep water where they could drown. “To choose to throw them in deep water for them to drown is just ridiculous,” Aguirre said.
The video shows the driver flipping a basket over the edge of the car, with a single cat clinging to the rim before being pulled out and dropped into the water. At one point the driver nearly runs over several of the cats before speeding away.
Staff members at the shelter quickly responded, pulling the drenched animals from the water and bringing them inside. None of the cats or kittens were injured, and they are now being cared for and prepared for adoption.
Investigation underway
Miami‑Dade County Animal Services has opened an investigation into the incident. In a statement, the agency condemned the act, calling it “unacceptable” and emphasizing that animals depend on people for their care and protection.
“Abandoning animals, particularly under circumstances that jeopardize their safety and well‑being, is unacceptable and something we strongly condemn,” the statement read.
Community response
The incident has sparked an outpouring of concern from local residents and animal‑rights advocates. Many have expressed frustration that, despite the shelter’s efforts to find homes for animals, such cruelty still occurs.
“Times are desperate, so everybody’s looking for help and an out whenever they find an animal,” Aguirre said, acknowledging the pressures faced by shelters while stressing that endangering animals is never the answer.
Local volunteers have stepped up to assist the shelter, offering additional hands to care for the rescued cats and to help with adoption events. The community’s swift response underscores the shared commitment to protecting vulnerable animals and supporting the work of local humane organizations.
What you can do
Residents who witness similar incidents are urged to contact Miami‑Dade County Animal Services immediately. The agency provides a 24‑hour hotline for reporting animal cruelty and neglect.
Those interested in supporting the Humane Society of Greater Miami can donate supplies, volunteer time, or consider adopting one of the many cats and kittens now safe inside the shelter.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with additional information or video footage to come forward.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
