Three kittens were rescued by firefighters after they were found Tuesday evening dumped in a portable toilet at the Foss Park District Community Recreation Center in North Chicago. | Provided Photos

Firefighters rescued and rehomed three kittens who were found abandoned and dumped inside a porta-potty toilet, which authorities called a “heinous act.”

The North Chicago Fire Department responded on Tuesday evening to a 911 call for a report of kittens in a porta-potty outside of the Foss Park District Community Recreation Center, 1730 Lewis Avenue.

Fire crews were met with a “very unpleasant and disturbing scene.”

They learned a person abandoned at least three small kittens in a porta-potty filled with waste.

“This individual deliberately placed the kittens inside the toilet of the porta potty where they were incapable of escaping due to their size and infantile stage,” fire officials said.

Battalion Chief Thomas Deinken was able to successfully rescue the frightened and extremely soiled kittens from the toilet without further harm.

The kittens were transported back to the fire station for assessment and treatment.

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Fire department personnel cleaned the kittens three times each and fed and cared for them.

“Since then, the kittens have fortunately been rehomed to a more suitable environment where they can properly develop and grow in a way that will give them the life they deserve,” fire officials said Thursday.

“A huge ‘thank you’ to the individual who made the 9-1-1 call. Because of the awareness, humanity, and care you displayed on this day, we can celebrate a positive outcome,” fire officials added.

The City of North Chicago is taking “all pertinent steps to investigate and locate” the individual or individuals who took part in the “heinous act.”

“This conduct is completely unacceptable and against the law. Please understand and make no mistake, this behavior will never be acceptable or tolerated in our community. Any person found guilty of such, will face the appropriate legal consequences of their actions to the fullest extent of the law. Animal abuse, mistreatment, or neglect, of any kind, is strictly prohibited,” officials said.

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Those who see signs of animal neglect or abuse are asked to contact the North Chicago Animal Warden at 847-596-8875.

Stray animal reports and other animal-related concerns can be reported by calling the North Chicago Police Department at 847-596-8774.