NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk SPCA is pleading with people who want to surrender pets to bring the animals inside their facility.

Left inside a taped-up box with no way out, Guava and her four-week-old kittens were recently found abandoned outside the Norfolk SPCA. Now, thanks to the care provided by the shelter, Guava is thriving as a mother. However, this highlights a growing problem in the area — people abandoning animals outside the facility.

“In the past two days we discovered, separately, two mothers—one with three neonates and another actively giving birth—along with another kitten, all left in closed boxes by the road near closed areas,” a Facebook post reads.

The animals were found by coincidence, and could’ve fallen victim to side doors and back gates.

The organization states that the negligent act endangers lives and asks people to “consider the consequences.” Norfolk SPCA Deputy Director Jesika Streeter said abandoning animals is inhumane and has already led to tragic outcomes.

In March, a female dog was abandoned outside the shelter in a kennel. The dog escaped and was struck by multiple vehicles after running into nearby traffic. She later died from her injuries.

Despite these incidents, the Norfolk SPCA continues to provide critical care and support for animals. Recently, the shelter partnered with an animal facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, to take in three dogs after Hurricane Helene damaged the Tennessee facility.

Norfolk SPCA is holding a fundraiser Oct 25. at the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club. To learn more about this event and how to get involved, click here.