Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating after five kittens were abandoned inside a dumpster in Hagersville.

Police say the kittens were discovered by a passerby who was walking on John St. around 7 p.m. on Monday.

They say the good samaritan heard the sound of kittens crying near a metal scrap bin located next to a local business.

The citizen managed to rescue two kittens from a bucket of water and three kittens from inside the bin.

Police say one kitten was found deceased in the bucket of water.

The kittens have been taken in by a rescue organization.

Police are investigating the incident as animal cruelty.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122.