HRAS and SPCA Monterey County reminds the community that abandoning pets is illegal and inhumane in California.

In light of recent reports of pets being abandoned during challenging times, both Hitchcock Road Animal Services and SPCA Monterey County are joining messages to urge all pet owners that dumping or abandoning animals is both illegal and inhumane.

California law explicitly prohibits the abandonment of animals, which can lead to substantial penalties, including fines and criminal charges. Beyond legal implications, abandoning a pet places the animal in grave danger, exposing them to life-threatening situations such as starvation, injury, or death. Abandoned animals also go through intense stress and anxiety when left in unfamiliar environments, further threatening their safety.

Recently, there has been an increase noted in animals left abandoned along roadsides. A recent example is in North Monterey County. In one week's time, HRAS has received multiple calls for animals, mostly dogs, abandoned at Old Stage Road and Crazy Horse Road area. HRAS received several animals from that location safely, however, there were several that were unable to be caught.

We understand that circumstances may arise that make pet ownership challenging. However, help is always available. Before making the heartbreaking and illegal decision to abandon your beloved pet, we encourage you to reach out to local shelters, rescue organizations, or community resources for assistance. These organizations can provide compassionate support, including options for rehoming, temporary foster care, or financial assistance for pet care.

If you or someone you know is struggling to provide for a pet, please don't hesitate to seek help. Both HRAS and the SPCA have resources that may be able to assist you and your pet. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our furry companions.

For assistance, please contact HRAS at https://www.hitchcockroadanimals.org or SPCA Monterey County at https://www.spcamc.org.

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Hitchcock Road Animal Services is located at 160 Hitchcock Road in Salinas and accepts in lost and stray pets from the City of Salinas, unincorporated Monterey County as well as animals from Marina, Del Rey Oaks, Carmel, Greenfield and CSUMB. Shelter hours to look for lost pets are Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm. For more information, please call us at 831-769-8850 or visit: https://www.hitchcockroadanimals.org.

SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent organization. They shelter homeless, neglected and abused pets and livestock, and provide humane education and countless other services to the community. They are the local agency you call to investigate animal cruelty, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and aid domestic animals in distress.