Four kittens have been dumped in an after-hours library chute for the third time as authorities investigate the man responsible. 

CCTV showed a man dressed in a navy vest dropping the six-week-old kittens at the Greenacres Library in Adelaide about 10.25pm on Saturday, January 10.

The kittens remained inside the chute until a staff member discovered them the following Monday.

Four kittens have been dumped in an after-hours library chute for the third time as authorities investigate the man responsible. A man dressed in a navy vest and grey sleeves was at the library chute on January 10. (RSPCA South Australia)

The kittens appeared unharmed and were taken to the Animal Welfare League in Wingfield for assessment.

They have since been rehomed in new foster families. 

It was the third time kittens had been dumped in that same chute. 

A Port Adelaide Enfield Council spokesperson said they were shocked to discover the kittens had been abandoned.

“Placing animals in places like library return chutes is dangerous and poses significant risks as they may be harmed from heavy books being dropped in the chute,” the spokesperson said.

Four kittens have been dumped in an after-hours library chute for the third time as authorities investigate the man responsible. He was seen dumping kittens inside the chute. (RSPCA South Australia)

“The matter was referred to the RSPCA for investigation, with CCTV footage supplied.”

The organisation called on the community to help identify the man in the CCTV, urging anyone with information to contact its cruelty line.

The maximum penalty for abandoning an animal is up to two years’ imprisonment or a $20,000 fine.