In a disturbing trend, a man has allegedly used an after-hours library chute to abandon kittens for the third time, prompting an investigation by authorities.

The latest incident saw four kittens left in the chute until a library staff member found them the following Monday.

Fortunately, the kittens were unharmed and were promptly taken to the Animal Welfare League in Wingfield for evaluation.

All four kittens have since found new homes with foster families.

This marks the third occurrence of kittens being left in the same library chute.

A spokesperson from the Port Adelaide Enfield Council expressed their dismay at the discovery of the abandoned kittens.

“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.

“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.