New Pet Zone

For those who think the economy is only affecting them, think again. Our four-legged friends are also having a rough time.

The Pet Examiner reports that people are losing their pets because they can’t properly care for them. In addition to losing their pets, many people are also being fined because their pets are not being properly cared for, or are being abandoned.

In Texas, a woman was recently fined a hefty $3,520 when she was found living in her car with 22 dogs.

In Las Vegas, a woman was fined $20,000 after dozens of animals were confiscated from her filthy home.  She had been evicted due to foreclosure.

In California, a woman lost her dog after she was unable to pay the $138 fee to retrieve him. In addition, he needed thousands of dollars of veterinary care.

If you are having trouble taking care of your pet, you may think the best option for you and your pet is to give it up.  But, there is a right and a wrong way to go about it.  Leaving a pet behind in a vacated home or apartment is not only illegal, but it is cruel.  So is leaving an animal on the streets to fend for itself.

Where I live, people will frequently drive animals out into the country thinking they can fend for themselves.  Again, not only is this illegal, it’s just plain wrong.  These animals are left to defend themselves against predators in the wild, and face starvation, disease and death.

It is also considered abandonment to dump your pet at a shelter or rescue, something that happens to most of us in rescue work.

To compound the problem, groups that usually try to help people take care of their pets when they are short on funds are feeling the pinch themselves.

The Toronto Star reports that the Toronto Cat Rescue feral cat program which relies on donations for funding, lacks enough money to pay for spaying and neutering stray cats estimated to be as high as 500,000 in Toronto!

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports an increase in pets abandoned by owners due to mounting financial concerns, foreclosures and unemployment.  The Doggie Street Festival in Point Loma drew more than 30 humane societies and rescue groups trying to re-home orphaned dogs.

“The economy dictates that people set priorities, and often that means their animals no longer have a place in the family,” Liu said.

In addition, more sick animals are being dropped off at shelters because their families cannot afford veterinary care.

But, the situation isn’t hopeless. There are thousands of volunteers and rescue organizations out there making a difference. I know times are tough, but if you have a few dollars to spare, you too can help our four-footed friends.

Every rescue and shelter has the same basic needs.

• Food
• Blankets
• Bleach
• Collars and Leashes
• Volunteers
• Foster Homes
• Donations

If you can help, please contact your local animal shelter or favorite rescue. If you would like to make a financial donation to Mill Creek Animal Rescue, you can do so by via PayPal by clicking on the button below.

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