Local shelter makes plea to public to stop dumping animals

The Humane Society of Imperial County has a message for the community after a dog was left tied to the shelters fence.

They want to let the public know that abandoning animals is illegal and that there are other ways of seeking help.

It was on Monday after 4:30 p.m. when cameras captured a vehicle leaving a dog tied up to the shelters fence.

Although the shelter is closed on Mondays, cleaning staff was present and witnessed what happened.

“It’s almost summertime and we were lucky enough that our staff was here, they saw what happened, it was caught on video but there was no identifying, you can’t identify the plate in the video,” said Tiffany Mendoza, Volunteer Coordinator.

Shelter volunteers tell us from what they see in the video, this person clearly had no care for the animals well-being.

Animal Control has been made aware of the situation and is currently looking for the red vehicle in the video.

“We understand you know financial hardships happen, things happen in your life where you can no longer care for your pet but dumping an animal when it’s 95 degrees outside and tying it to a fence with no food and water is not the proper way to re-home your animal,” explained Mendoza

The humane society usually requires a relinquishment fee from owners but will work with people who are struggling with financial hardships.

“It’s minimum a misdemeanor, so they can be fined, they can be jailed. It basically depends on if they are found guilty and the judges sentencing,” added Mendoza.

The dog they found is doing well, her name is eve and she will be ready to go to a new home on Tuesday. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are asked to contact the El Centro Police Department.