MONTEREY COUNTY — In light of recent reports of pets being abandoned during challenging times, both Hitchcock Road Animal Services and SPCA Monterey County are joining messages to remind all pet owners that dumping or abandoning animals is both illegal and inhumane.
California law explicitly prohibits the abandonment of animals, which can lead to substantial penalties, including fines and criminal charges. Beyond legal implications, abandoning a pet places the animal in grave danger, exposing them to life-threatening situations, such as starvation, injury or death.
Abandoned animals also go through intense stress and anxiety when left in unfamiliar environments, further threatening their safety.
Recently, there has been an increase in animals left abandoned along roadsides, including in North Monterey County.
In one week’s time, HRAS has received multiple calls for animals, mostly dogs, abandoned at Old Stage Road and Crazy Horse Road area. HRAS received several animals from that location safely; however, there were several that were unable to be caught.
“We understand that circumstances may arise that make pet ownership challenging,” stated the organizations in a news release Oct. 1. “However, help is always available. Before making the heartbreaking and illegal decision to abandon your beloved pet, we encourage you to reach out to local shelters, rescue organizations or community resources for assistance. These organizations can provide compassionate support, including options for rehoming, temporary foster care or financial assistance for pet care.”
If someone is struggling to provide for a pet, they should seek help by contacting HRAS at 831-769-8850 or hitchcockroadanimals.org or SPCA Monterey County at 831-373-2631 or spcamc.org.
“Both HRAS and the SPCA have resources that may be able to assist you and your pet,” stated the organizations. “Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our furry companions.”
Hitchcock Road Animal Services, located at 160 Hitchcock Road in Salinas, accepts in lost and stray pets from the City of Salinas, unincorporated Monterey County, as well as animals from Marina, Del Rey Oaks, Carmel, Greenfield and CSUMB. Shelter hours to look for lost pets are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SPCA Monterey County is a humane society that shelters homeless, neglected and abused pets and livestock, and provides humane education and other services to the community. They are the local agency to call to investigate animal cruelty, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and aid domestic animals in distress.
