"Effective January 1, 2009, any person or private entity with whom a live animal has been 'involuntarily deposited' must take charge of it, if able to do so, and immediately notify animal control officials so they can retrieve the animal. The animal control officers who respond can secure a lien to recover the rescue cost, but this law imposes no other liability upon a depositary who complies with these rules." Assembly Bill 2949.
Across the country, animals are being found abandoned in foreclosed homes. Other pet owners who've fallen victim to the sub prime mortgage mess, finding themselves just days or even hours from being homeless, are desperately trying to find someone to take their pet. I have heard from several Realtors in my area in Riverside County some disturbing stories about what they have encountered. As a result, I visited some animal shelters in Riverside County and I spoke with the staff. They advise that the most important thing to get across to Realtors who find animals in a vacant home, is for them to call Animal Control immediately. Anyone who finds himself in a situation such that he or she doesn't know what to do with a found animal should take the pet to a shelter. Experts say a dog without water for 24 hours will become dehydrated and could die in extreme heat within only a few days. The shelter employees need to know the history of the pet if it is available, such as health, compatibility with children and other pets, and general temperament. Knowing these things will help the pet to be adopted.
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week begins Nov. 2. Help the animals by donating:
Dry puppy food
Canned cat food (no fish)
Dry kitten food (no red dyes)
Laundry detergent
Bleach
Dish detergent
Blankets
Toys for the animals
Empty 1/2 liter plastic bottles (helps keep the animals cool)
Dog Beds/Dog Houses Crates (cages) for use at adoption shows
Trash Bags
Other ways to Be Kind to Animals:
Help by keeping someone's pet
Spay or neuter your pets
Adopt a shelter pet
Speak out for the animals
Report animal cruelty
Volunteer!