Shelter cat killed in dryer mishap at Woodbury Animal Shelter

Supervisor Kathryn Luciani tells News 12 the cat, Harpo, was in the machine with a pile of blankets that a shelter worker put in to dry while cleaning on Jan. 20.

Blaise Gomez

Feb 23, 2024, 3:30 PM

Updated 289 days ago

Share:

Officials say a cat housed at the Town of Woodbury Animal Shelter in Highland Mills somehow got in a dryer last month and was killed in the mishap.
Supervisor Kathryn Luciani tells News 12 the cat, Harpo, was in the machine with a pile of blankets that a shelter worker put in to dry while cleaning on Jan. 20.
The town and shelter put out a statement online and on Facebook saying the incident was a “tragic accident” that was traumatic for everyone involved.
The shelter on Schunnemunk Road was closed for several days while counseling services were provided for staff, according to Luciani.
Luciani says the worker involved was “devastated” by the incident and is no longer employed at the shelter.
News 12 is told it’s not clear if the animal was accidentally put into the dryer with the laundry or if it somehow climbed in.