PAWFEST helps unwanted pets find homes

Imperial Valley musicians came out in force to help unwanted dogs and cats find homes. They’re concerned over animals not having a place to call their own.

Aleksi Madrigal, from Heartbreak ETC music group, said, “There’s like hundreds of dogs here in the street; they’re like burning, hurting their paws, trying to find water, trying to find a home, afraid of humans.”

Friday and Saturday, 15 music bands belted out their songs at a local venue for a mere $5.00 cover charge – all proceeds going to the Humane Society.

Humberto Chavez, Pentagonal Brewing Company, said, “There’s a lot of pets that are left abandoned, sometimes in the trash can, sometimes they’re taken to the humane society and just left there. Emphasizes the need to neuter your pets. It’s a big problem.”

They said it’s all about taking care of their community.

Aldo Arellano, I.V. Music Collective, said, “I think it’s a problem anywhere. There’s a lot of stray animals anywhere you go. Here I don’t see too many running around and stuff, but I know that the humane society takes in a lot of animals – it costs money to support these fur babies as they call them.”

They said unwanted pets could become a health risk for the community.

Luis Rosas, I.V. Music Collective, said, “Stray animals that are obviously not vaccinated, they could carry some kind of disease

We’re not sure if the fur buddies appreciated the musical talent and the artists’ effort going out for them, but they sure loved the attention they got from everyone at Pawfest 2019. The event drew over $1,500 for the shelter.

For more information on how anyone can adopt one a fur buddy, they can visit the local Humane Society at 1575 Pico Road in El Centro.