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Hernando Today
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Pets Are Victims Of Foreclosure
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Published: July 14, 2008
BROOKSVILLE - The number of people surrendering their pets to local shelters is increasing everyday.
That is the word from the executive director of the local Humane Society.
People are moving - or getting evicted - from their homes and settling for smaller rentals.
When that happens, the pets often are turned over to a shelter. Worse yet, some are left behind or dropped off in desolate places.
"There are people who are coming in who have found pets dumped near their homes," said JoAnne Schoch, of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast. "They even have brought in pets from homes next door that have been (vacated)."
The shelter, located at 7200 Mobley Ave., is full. There is a waiting list for people who need to give away their dogs or cats.
The good news is there are more people adopting now than usual. Secondly, the waiting list has been known to dwindle whenever a family finds a friend or relative who will take their pets.
Going to the Humane Society or any other local shelter is encouraged, even at a time when the facilities are filled to capacity.
"I can understand a lot of things," said Schoch. "I know the economy is very difficult and I admire somebody who says, 'I love my pet, but I circumstances have made it so I need to find it a home.'
"What I can't understand is someone who leaves their pets behind or dumps them off somewhere," she continued. "Animals are being dumped all the time."
Domesticated animals cannot make it in the wild. They are susceptible to raccoons, Mother Nature, stray dogs and rabies, Schoch said.
Florida's foreclosure crisis has attracted animal welfare groups across the country, including the Humane Society of the United States in Washington D.C.
The group has established a Pet Foreclosure Fund on its Web site. People can donate at any time. Individual shelters and rescue groups can apply to have some of the money distributed to them.
Those pet owners who are looking for apartments that allow for pets can access a list through the HSUS Web site or go directly to www.rentwithpets.org.
Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.
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