CBS/AP/ August 22, 2012, 4:44 PM

Pit bulls maul Calif. minivan chasing kitten

In this undated photo released by the Palm Springs Police Department shows a minivan that was attacked by four Pitt bull terriers trying to get a stray cat by flattening the vehicle's tire and chewed away big chunks of the fender and bumper.

In this undated photo released by the Palm Springs Police Department shows a minivan that was attacked by four Pitt bull terriers trying to get a stray cat by flattening the vehicle's tire and chewed away big chunks of the fender and bumper. / AP Photo/Palm Springs Police Department

(CBS/AP) PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Attacking pit bulls trying to get to a stray kitten hiding in the engine compartment of a Southern California minivan flattened the vehicle's tire and chewed away big chunks of the fender and bumper.

Four pit bull terriers had chased the kitten into the Dodge minivan engine compartment.

A photo of "Fender Lynx," a seven-week-old stray kitten who hid inside the engine compartment of a Southern California minivan.

/ KPSP
The vehicle's owner changed the tire on Monday and drove 25 miles from Banning to Palm Springs before he discovered the 7-week-old kitten, which had moved into a hollow part of the front bumper.

The Desert Sun of Palm Springs reports an animal control officer freed the kitten following a 40-minute process that involved removing the bumper.

The kitten is OK and available for adoption at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

Named "Fender Lynx" after where she was located and for her ear tips, the animal was described as an American short-haired tabby, CBS affiliate KPSP Palm Springs reported.

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
103 Comments Add a Comment
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lexibone says:
i have to go peeeps
send me things
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littlebicicleta says:
Can I just point out that there appears to be no witness claiming to actually have seen four pitbulls chasing this kitten? If we had seen pitbulls mauling our car after having chased a kitten, how is it that we drove 25 miles before finding the kitten? I'm not saying this didn't happen or that someone has made up an elaborate excuse after having crashed their car... What I am saying is that this article leaves out A LOT of critical details, and makes a lot of assumptions. There's no way to tell what the hell happened from it. Here's some other news stories about pits, that can at least be somewhat validated by other witnesses and the pitbulls themselves. Both happened in MA where I live.

http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20594304,00.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB9CBniEa-Q
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GeneralJDavis replies:
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While I'll agree that the story is lacking in detail, the Palm Springs Police Department released the photo, which suggests that at least they believe it.
Secularconservative replies:
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I agree with you. There is a tremendous lack of detail here to 'pin' the 'crime' on pit bulls. But it's typical of the kind of garbage that folks will believe without checking the facts.
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leftcoastrocky says:
Would labs or golden retrievers have done this? No. It is the pit bull breed that is out of control.
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Jobrien731 replies:
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Honestly how do you know what a lab or a retriever would do, you don't!! So keep your opinion to yourself unless someone asks for it
olasycomida replies:
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Yes they would actually. Both of those breeds share something in common with the pitbull breed, they have a strong prey drive. I'm no poorly trained dog apologist, and I don't own pits, but you sir are misinformed.
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CJM33 says:
People shouldnt own ANY DOG without them being properly trained. this is where owners go wrong. your dog is an investment to your family...train it.
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HybridHippie replies:
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haha. You think people who acquire pit bulls are capable of making responsible decisions. Funny stuff, thanks for the laugh.
olasycomida replies:
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Agreed. Most people also don't realize that they know and like pitbulls. Due to the stigma attached to them, many responsible owner may refer to them as "American Bull Terriers". Most people fail to realize that many of the people who choose to own a pit bull(especially with cropped ears, etc.) overlap with people who don't know how to train their dogs or care to do so.
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askagain says:
People mauled or chewed to death by pitblls don't seem to phase many pitbull supporters. Perhaps some of them will have a change of heart after viewing the damage to this car. Some people value possessions more than people.
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lexibone replies:
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thats sad
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BaileyVenice says:
OK - according to the headlines the mini-van was chasing kittens?....
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MissMolliePink replies:
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That's how I read it. Funny.
lexibone replies:
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what no why realy and what is this site
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rtavis says:
Pitbulls. Great family dogs. Wake up, America.
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Jobrien731 replies:
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Ill have to keep that in mind. Note to self don't let my pit bull BIT anyone or some dirtBall will sue me for all I'm worth
lexibone replies:
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i have 1 pit that died and 5 that are with me
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EmpireGeorge______-- says:
by hsinco-2009 August 23, 2012 11:07 AM EDT

I guess Empire Geo would excuse Mitt for driving 24 hours with a Irish Setter strapped to the roof of a car.Just sayin'!
_______________

now it's 24 hour drive....you libs are hillarious.

Did you miss Obama's breakfast ?

http://genehoyas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Obama-eats-dog.jpg
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lexibone replies:
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yes i do miss obamas cooking but you got that all wrong
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MIO42 says:
A leash you say, but I don't need one for My dog
That's only for other peoples dogs

Really !!!!!!!!!! ?
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lexibone replies:
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i like you post a picher of you i post picher of me
lexibone replies:
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i like you post a picher of you i post picher of me
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MIO42 says:
New invention

IT'S CALLED.......................A LEASH

GET IT , USE IT !
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