Shelters urging residents to keep pets safe during Fourth of July
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Fourth of July is the busiest weekend for lost pets entering shelters, primarily due to the loud noises and flashing lights from fireworks, which can frighten pets and cause them to run away.
Many animal shelters and animal control facilities report a 30% to 60% increase in lost pets, according to national shelter data.
This could be a problem for shelters like the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, which is already over capacity. RCDAS revealed they are currently at 230% capacity for dogs with more that 1,000 dogs and at 125% capacity for cats with a population of over 300 cats in their care.
Lt. Luis Rosa, RCDAS animal control officer, says they're working to offset the expected influx.
“We do foster programs, we try to do trial runs. Come in and take a pet for a couple of days and see if you like them... Best thing for each pet is to have a microchip. If you see one of our animal control officers out in the field, they’re even microchips to anybody.”
Lt. Luis Rosa, Animal Control Officer
Quick Safety Tips:
- Keep pets indoors and secure
- Never use fireworks near animals
- Use vet-approved calming aids
- Update microchips and ID tags
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
