Unbelievable: Cat abandoned in a cardboard box in the Penny parking lot in Salzgitter!
On June 26, 2025, an abandoned cat was found in a Penny parking lot in Salzgitter. The local animal shelter is looking for clues.

Unbelievable: Cat abandoned in a cardboard box in the Penny parking lot in Salzgitter!
On Thursday, June 26th, customers made a shocking discovery in the parking lot of a penny market in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt. A cardboard box left there turned out to be an unwanted home for a dark gray cat. This cruel act of abandonment has left the employees of the Salzgitter animal shelter stunned.
This cat's story is particularly tragic because it is not microchipped. This suggests that it remains unclear where it came from or who it may have belonged to. The animal shelter is calling on the public to report information about the animal. The volunteers and staff are working hard to find the cat a new home.
Animal shelter as an important contact point
The Animal shelter in Salzgitter acts as a central contact point for animal welfare issues in the region. Animals can be adopted here as well as personal animals can be given away. The focus is often on the many cute kittens and loyal dogs who are looking for a new home. The local community has the opportunity to get actively involved, whether through adoption or volunteer support.
The Animal Welfare Association of Lower Saxony also offers valuable information and support when looking for a new four-legged friend. Anyone interested can contact the animal protection association directly to find out more about available animals. The Salzgitter Veterinary Office is also available to answer questions, and there are numerous veterinarians in the area to provide medical care for the animals.
Animal protection in Germany: A serious problem
Abandoning animals is not only a cruel act, but also illegal in Germany. According to the Animal Protection Act, fines of up to 25,000 euros and, in serious cases, even prison sentences of up to three years can be imposed if the animal's welfare is at risk. These legal measures are important because around 32 million pets live in Germany, including 13.4 million domestic cats and 8.6 million dogs TERRA MATER reported.
Animal shelter overcrowding is a serious problem compounded by unwanted pets and inadequate education about animal care. There are around 1,400 animal shelters nationwide that take in and care for around 400,000 animals every year. A large proportion of these animals, around ¾, can be rehomed or released into the wild, while ¼ of the animals remain permanently in the homes and continue to need care.
It is essential to increase awareness of animal welfare and promote adoptions to address these challenges. In Salzgitter, the animal shelter remains a place of hope for desperate animals and dedicated animal lovers.
Further information about animal welfare and how you can help can be found on the website Salzgitter animal shelter as well as at TERRA MATER.