ARIZONA NEWS

Kitten rescued after getting thrown out of car window onto Phoenix freeway

Nov 24, 2024, 6:30 AM

Martin the black kitten had a rough beginning, but now he's turning his life again. (Photos: AHS, l...

Martin the black kitten had a rough beginning, but now he's turning his life again. (Photos: AHS, left, ADOT, right)

(Photos: AHS, left, ADOT, right)

PHOENIX — Despite stereotypes about black cats, one Arizona feline turned a tragedy into a lucky strike.

Martin’s story started in west Phoenix with a public act of animal cruelty. A driver on the Interstate 10 threw him out of a moving vehicle before driving away.

A woman driving behind the animal abuser took action. She pulled her vehicle to the side of the highway and started trying to rescue Martin, despite the danger.

How was kitten thrown out of a moving car in Phoenix rescued?

Eventually, the woman wrapped him safely in a towel and away from speeding vehicles.

As fate would have it, an animal lover with a history of rescuing pets abused on highways was driving in the area when he saw the Good Samaritan rescuing Martin.

Rich Dimaio, an employee with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), took Martin from the woman and brought him to the Arizona Humane Society (AHS).

Two weeks later, the medical team at AHS said Martin was OK and ready to move on with his life.

However, Martin isn’t up for foster or adoption.

He’s a working boy. Or, well, working kitten.

What’s next for kitten thrown out of a moving car in Phoenix?

Rather than settle into an easy life of indulgence and cuddling in a cozy Arizona home, Martin has a productive future ahead of him.

He’s going to be adopted as a working cat through AHS’ Working Cats Program, which finds a creative solution for cats who aren’t considered suitable for indoor living.

Through the program, cats offer their purrvices — sorry, services — as environmentally friendly alternatives to pest issues.

This means local businesses can hire cats like Martin to get rid of rodents and other pests plaguing warehouses, mills, ranches, barns and breweries.

Instead of spending money on pesticides, they’re spending money on water and pet food.

Martin will never again have to worry about chasing cars. He’ll be too busy chasing rodents.

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Kitten rescued after getting thrown out of car window onto Phoenix freeway