Calgary police are looking for the owner of four kittens that were tossed in a dumpster in southeast Calgary — with the unusually cruel twist that they were found sealed in a box.

"They're terrified — as is understandable," said Brad Nichols, senior manager of cruelty investigations with the Calgary Humane Society.

"While abandonment of cats is a fairly common offense, this case is significantly aggravated by the circumstances of the abandonment," said Nichols.

The eight-week-old kittens were rescued from a dumpster in the alley of the 3300 block of 44 Ave S.E. on Wednesday, after employees from a local business called police, he said.

"These vulnerable kittens were not set free or left behind. They were maliciously sealed in a box and tossed in a garbage dumpster with no possible way to escape," Nichols said.

"There was clear intent to ensure these kittens did not have an opportunity to fend for themselves."

Nichols said the kittens — who may well be feral — are getting the proper socialization and veterinary care, and could eventually be put up for adoption.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.