Adoptable Pet Rescue collected the three, two-week-old kittens last week. 

“We are constantly disappointed by the lack of empathy displayed by some people,” a statement on Facebook said.  

“These ... kittens were found on a piece of newspaper in the Ironbarks after being dumped by a heartless human being. There are plenty of ways to anonymously surrender kittens, including leaving them in a box at the door of the pound or vet clinic. It is not necessary and never acceptable to leave kittens to die of starvation or exposure.” 

In a happy turn of events, a lactating cat that came into Adoptable Pet Rescue’s care the next day adopted the orphaned trio as her own. The three kittens joined the mother cat’s existing litter.

Horsham Veterinary Hospital’s Belinda Collins said she recommended people had their cats desexed to reduce the amount of unwanted kittens and strays in the region.