Community Corner
UPDATE: 'Homeless' Dog a Scam
Investigation found that the person who turned in the dog was actually the owner
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The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter issued a press release on December 17, 2012 regarding an injured dog that had allegedly been found tied up in downtown Santa Cruz with a sign that stated “homeless.” A Good Samaritan reported she had found the dog in front of a thrift store on Front Street near Soquel Avenue. After the press release, the shelter received information that the dog actually belonged to the person that brought the dog in to the shelter.
An investigation was conducted and the owner admitted to making up the story to avoid paying veterinary fees and surrender or euthanasia fees to the Shelter. The owner had recently brought the dog to a veterinarian who had recommended euthanasia due to the 15 year old dog’s advanced stage of cancer. Since the owner had recently received veterinary care for the dog, no criminal charges will be filed.
General Manager Melanie Sobel states, “We want to remind the public that the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission safe haven for animals that never turns any animal away that comes to its doors. We will always work with people to reduce or waive fees if they have financial hardship.”
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter also wants to point out that the irresponsible actions of this owner have possibly shed a negative light on homeless animal owners in our community. Most of these owners, while they don’t have a place to call home, are often responsible and loving caretakers.
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter operates two open admission shelters and will take in any stray, unwanted, mistreated, neglected or abandoned animal. The shelter provides emergency response to rescue sick, injured and mistreated animals twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year. The shelters are located at 2200 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz and 580 Airport Boulevard in Watsonville.
For more information visit www.scanimalshelter.org.
