Kitten with severe medical needs stolen from central Minnesota animal shelter safely returned

The Tri-County Humane Society in central Minnesota says a kitten taken from its shelter Wednesday afternoon has been safely returned.

The shelter, located in St. Cloud, says a visitor had been looking at the kitten, a 2-month-old named Marin, for a while before taking him out of his kennel and stuffing him into their bag.

Staff quickly realized the kitten was missing after the visitor left.

On Thursday, the shelter provided an update saying Marin was returned safe and healthy and has been reunited with his foster parent.

"The person who took Marin dropped him off outside in a box and called us to tell us what they had done. They were emotional and apologized profusely. We are just happy he is back and safe, and we thank them for returning him," Tri-County Humane Society wrote in a Facebook post.

While Marin is in good shape, Tri-County Humane Society says it will not be listing him for adoption again yet.

Marin was found on the road last month with a serious eye infection for which the Tri-County Humane Society created a special serum using a blood donation from a dog to treat. While his health has improved greatly, staff say he still needs specific care to ensure a full recovery.