ginniesark

   With the declining economy and resulting foreclosures, the number of abandoned animals is on the rise. Many are left to roam the neighborhood or left tied in the backyard. But countless others are locked inside vacant homes. There are many opinions as to why people would abandon a pet in such a way. Some people mistakenly think that a Realtor or Lender will find the pet before it’s food and water runs out and adopt it or find it a home. However it is usually many days or even weeks before anyone checks the house. While some are found in time, many others face a slow, agonizing death.

    In these days, people are not spending as much. As a result businesses are declining and more and more people are being laid off from their jobs. Many are unable to find work and find themselves faced with foreclosure or eviction. A lot of apartments don’t allow pets or have enormous pet deposits. Some people are going to live with family or friends. In these cases as well, they are not always allowed to bring their pets. People in these circumstances often feel depressed and even desperate. They become indifferent to things around them. And many people see pets only as property, not as a living creature with a spirit that feels pain, heat, cold, hunger and thirst.

    In most states, pets are considered personal property. So even if an animal is found in time, laws prevent its removal or care until a period of time has passed. California is trying to address this issue with the enactment of 2008 Cal ALS 265, 2008 Cal AB 2949, which went into effect on January 1, 2009 and amended Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1815, 1816. The new law states that if an animal is abandoned at a premises when the premises has been left vacant as the result of the foreclosure of the property or the termination of a lease, then the person or private agency responsible for the premises must immediately notify the appropriate animal control officials that the animal has been abandoned.

    If you are faced with foreclosure or eviction, you have several options for your pet. If you will only be temporarily in a place that won’t allow pets, try to find someone to foster your pet. If you must find a forever home for your pet, consider the following options:

For breed specific rescue and adoption go to:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm     for dogs

http://www.purebredcats.org/  for cats

Check with your local veterinarian. He may know local groups or someone in search of a specific breed.

1-800-SAVE-A-PET

http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/

Petfinder.com

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters.html

Petbond.com

http://www.petbond.com/

Best Friends network

http://network.bestfriends.org/

    If there is a vacant home in your neighborhood, check it to see if there are pets inside. If so, contact the proper authorities. From the smallest kitten to a big German Shepherd, they are counting on all of us. Just think, what would Jesus want us to do.

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