More than a century ago, New Englander H.P. Lovecraft wrote of the city of Ulthar, where the law forbade the killing of cats and woe came to those who did.
Much like Edgar Allan Poe before him, he saw something detestable in maiming cats, a purring companion once admired as divine and perhaps the only animal to domesticate themselves. The edict of Ulthar lives on online, where sleuths seek justice for afflicted felines.
But not all cats can find refuge in Ulthar.
In Bingham recently, a cat was tied up in a plastic bag and thrown into a dumpster at the local transfer station.
The vigilant transfer station staff found the cat before its situation became more tragic, the town said Sunday morning.
Under the care of Bingham’s animal control officer, the cat is doing well despite the “horrific ordeal.”
The town acknowledged that financial strain can push people to make hard choices, but said “there is no excuse for animal cruelty.”
“Human decency and basic compassion should have guided you to a completely different choice,” the town castigated.
Anyone struggling to care for an animal can contact their local animal shelter, animal control officer or town office to connect with someone for help finding a new home for a pet.
“Please do the right thing next time. Our community is better than this, and we will continue to look out for those who cannot speak for themselves,” the town said.
As in Ulthar, no one may harm or kill a cat in Bingham.