Abandoned dog with a sign around its neck rescued by animal control

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- Luis Estrada was on his way to buy materials to fix his home when he noticed something in the parking lot.

"I saw the dog in the parking lot. Tired and at another car. And he showed a sign (on his) collar."

A sign that read "Adopt Me Please". Estrada took a photo and shared it on social media and notified animal control.

Estrada added, "I took a picture. And send to somebody else to try to find (him help)."

Devon Apodaca, the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Imperial County said the dog is lucky to be alive.

"Leaving an animal in a parking lot, unattended, alone, especially when it's afraid. There's no need for that. It's not right. It's not fair to the animal and it's extremely dangerous to the wellbeing of the animal."

Apodaca said that educating pet owners and providing medical procedures could help decrease that pet abandonment throughout the county.

"We get a lot of people wanting to turn in their pets because they can't afford their dogs going into heat and having puppies. We have a low-cost spay and neuter program, you know $55. A one-time solution prevents a lot of pain and suffering."

If you or someone you know needs to surrender your pet, contact the Humane Society of Imperial County on how they can help you.