Trigger warning: This article contains descriptions of animal abuse.

A small black kitten is lucky to be alive after a horrifying act of animal cruelty reported in Burlington on Friday.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Highway Safety Division tweeted details of a kitten reportedly thrown from the window of a vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 403 near the Waterdown Road exit in Burlington around 10:45 a.m. on Friday morning.

This kitten that was reportedly thrown out of a car on EB #Hwy403/Waterdown around 10:45am this morning? Anyone with info call #BurlingtonOPP 905-681-2511.
Kitten is at a veterinarian being treated right now. ^ks pic.twitter.com/T6u5dFNtGs

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) May 19, 2023

Police state that the animal is currently being treated at a local veterinarian. A graphic photo shared indicates that the kitten is suffering from a severe eye injury, though it is not known if this was a result of the heartless act of abuse, or perhaps the very reason the owner violently abandoned the animal.

One comment suggests this could have been a case of abandonment by an owner unable to pay veterinary bills.

All because that person couldn't bother paying for eye surgery or calling the Humane society to talk about it. So he or she dumped the cat perceiving it to be ugly.

— David Boyd (@borninGalt1985) May 19, 2023

The act has been met with a torrent of rage from social media users, including many replies that I won't include here advocating for vigilante justice — which seems like a dicey move when responding directly to a law enforcement organization but is also indicative of just how enraged this incident has people.

How cruel who could do such a discusting act?
Poor little guy. Hope that he recovers nicely, he is so cute.

— Diane Gale (@Dianegale1) May 19, 2023

The sad case of cold brutality has some commenters calling for stronger legislation to punish such criminals. "Who does this. We need stricter laws on animal cruelty. Hope this person is found," reads one comment.

At least one commenter responding to the OPP's tweet volunteered to take in the kitten, and there will likely be others interested in giving a new, loving home to this innocent creature, who still has 8 of 9 lives remaining after this brush with death.

I pray this kitty gets a good home❤️ and I still hate people!!!

— Прінсеса Саша CHECK MARK (@sasa_prinsesa) May 19, 2023

Police are asking anyone with information that could help in locating the culprit responsible for this heinous crime to call Burlington OPP at 905-681-2511.