A 3-month-old kitten that firefighters rescued after it spent weeks trapped in a storm drain in Gardena was available for adoption Friday.
According to a spokeswoman for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, a resident heard the feline’s mewling coming from a storm drain near her home and called authorities.
“Despite immediate response from animal control officers and the (Los Angeles County Fire Department), rescuers faced two challenges: the manhole cover was stuck shut and located within private community property,” according to SPCALA spokeswoman Ana Bustilloz.
For the next two weeks, area residents lowered food and water to the cornered kitty, which they nicknamed Stormy.
“A breakthrough came when a Los Angeles County Public Works representative contacted the community’s homeowner’s association manager and clarified ownership of the manhole,” Bustilloz explained. “Three different contractors were brought in to assist with opening the stubborn cover. After two days of effort, they finally succeeded.”
Gardena Animal Control officers set a humane trap inside the drain and seven hours later, Stormy was in protective custody.
“After everything this kitten endured, Stormy is doing remarkably well,” said SPCALA President Madeline Bernstein.”He was frightened and disoriented, but he appears healthy, strong and ready for a fresh start.”
The storm drain system survivor is now available for adoption at the SPCALA South Bay Pet Adoption Center at 12910 Yukon Ave. in Hawthorne, which is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The shelter’s adoptable pets can be viewed at spcaLA.com/adopt.