Jessamine shelter: Kittens killed on U.S. 27 after falling from car engine

JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Jessamine County Animal Shelter says three kittens were killed this morning on U.S. 27. Investigators say someone called to report that the animals were thrown out of a car window. The shelter says the dead kittens were later found off of the road.

The shelter says the driver later came forward to say that she did not throw the animals from the car. Investigators say after examining the vehicle, they concluded the kittens had crawled into a wheel well, without the driver knowing about it. The shelter says it was an accident, and no charges will be filed in the case.

According to the ASPCA, cats and other small animals sometimes seek warmth from the engines of parked cars. Veterinarians say it’s especially a problem during the winter. They say drivers can knock on the hood of their car, or honk the horn, to make sure small animals are not inside. The ASPCA says if you start your car and hear something unusual, you should turn off your engine immediately.