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Sat, Jul

L.A. County Urges: Don’t Abandon Pets Amid Deportations

ANIMAL WATCH

ANIMAL WATCH - L.A. County Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda issued a media release on July 9, expressing the Department’s and her personal concern about pets of owner’s who may be affected by the recent immigration and deportation actions within the County, and other pets that may need help at this difficult time.

“The Department is beginning to see the impact of recent immigration and deportation enforcement actions on family pets,” she said, “and 15 dogs have been relinquished since June 10, because their owners were deported for immigration-related matters.” She stated that several of these animals have already found new homes.

Director Mayeda stated her concern that there may be other pets in the community that need help, and she encouraged any pet owner to reach out to DACC for assistance for animals impacted by deportation operations.

“If the deportation has already occurred, leaving a pet or pets behind, then friends, neighbors, or relatives may contact DACC on behalf of the pets. If there is a safe, suitable place for the pet to stay, DACC offers resources, such as: pet food, medical treatment, and support to ensure that the animal(s) can be cared for in the absence of their owners.”

“These services are offered in all DACC’s operational areas,” she added, which include all unincorporated areas and 45 cities that contract with DACC for service. (See list of addresses below.) 

DACC urges pet owners not to abandon their pets,” Director Mayeda said, “Abandoned animals face starvation, dehydration, predation, and medical emergencies. Pets belonging to deported or detained owners may be brought to any one of DACC’s seven care centers regardless of their owner’s legal status. Our priority is the safety and well-being of the animals and peace of mind for the pet owner.

 We are here to provide compassionate support during this difficult period.”

 INSIDE/OUTSIDE OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY

People needing assistance outside of DACC jurisdiction should contact their local animal services provider.  To assure the animal is within the County’s service area, anyone can easily check by inputting the address here: https://locator.lacounty.gov/animal/shelters.

“Our commitment to compassion and customer services is never more prevalent than in these challenging times,” said Director Mayeda. “We want to emphasize that if any pet is left behind in the County due to the possibility of a pet owner’s deportation, the Department of Animal Care and Control is here to help. We urge anyone in need to contact us so we can provide the necessary support for their beloved pets.”

DACC is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all animals in our care and supporting our community members during times of need. DACC believes that no pet should suffer due to circumstances beyond their control, and we are committed to being a resource for those who require assistance. 

DACC is one of the largest animal care agencies and control in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. 

PLEASE DO NOT ABANDON ANY PET.

 

“The DACC understands how stressful the current situation can be and urges pet owners not to abandon their pets.  Abandoned animals face starvation, dehydration, predation, and medical emergencies. 

REGARDLESS OF THE OWNER’S LEGAL STATUS, pets belonging to deported or detained owners may be brought to any of DACC’s seven care centers,” Director Mayeda said. 

Our priority is the safety and well-being of the animals and peace of mind for the pet owner. We are here to provide compassionate support during this difficult period. 

Locations are listed here:

  • Agoura Animal Care Center - 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills
  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center - 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park
  • Castaic Animal Care Center - 31044 Charlie Cyn Rd., Castaic
  • Carson/Gardena Animal Care Center - 216 Victoria St., Gardena
  • Downey Animal Care Center - 11258 S. Garfield Ave., Downey
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center - 5210 W. Ave I, Lancaster
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center – 38550 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale

24-Hour Communications Centers:

  • North County: (661) 940-4191 (for Castaic, Lancaster, Palmdale ACCs)
  • South County: (562) 940-6898 (for Agoura, Baldwin Park, Carson/Gardena, and Downey ACCs) 

DACC STRESSES IT IS HERE TO HELP

 

“Our commitment to compassion and customer services is never more prevalent than in these challenging times,” said DACC Director Mayeda. “We want to emphasize that if any pet is left behind due to the possibility of a pet owner’s deportation, the Department of Animal Care and Control is here to help. We urge anyone in need to contact us so we can provide the necessary support for their beloved pets.” 

DACC URGES PET OWNERS TO CALL FOR SUPPORT

DACC is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all animals in our care and supporting our community members during times of need. DACC believes that no pet should suffer due to circumstances beyond their control, and we are committed to being a resource for those who require assistance.

Many of the DACC’s employees are fluent in Spanish and other languages.

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. 

See also: What Are L.A.’s Deported Families Doing with their Pets?

(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a former Los Angeles City employee, an animal activist and a contributor to CityWatch.)