The Lassen County Animal Shelter has issued a plea to residents to stop leaving animals at the facility outside of operating hours, citing the extreme danger posed to pets left in freezing temperatures and the legal consequences of abandonment.
According to shelter staff, animals are increasingly being left tied up outside or abandoned on the property after hours. With local temperatures recently dipping into the teens, this practice puts animals at immediate risk of hypothermia, injury, and death due to exposure and a lack of food, water or shelter.
“It is heart-wrenching for staff to arrive at work and find animals left in these horrible situations,” the shelter said in a statement. “Animals deserve proper care and dignity.”
Abandonment is Illegal
The shelter is reminding the public that abandoning an animal is a crime in California.
- California Penal Code § 597f states that permitting an animal to be without proper care and attention is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and potential jail time.
- California Penal Code § 597s specifically makes the willful abandonment of an animal a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.
Shelter at Capacity
The plea comes at a difficult time for the facility. The shelter announced that they are currently unable to accept owner surrenders. Due to an incredible volume of daily surrender requests, limited capacity, and a small staff, the shelter simply cannot keep up with the demand.
However, they stressed that dumping animals is not the solution. Instead, they are directing residents to several community resources to help rehome pets safely and responsibly.
Resources for Rehoming
If you need to find a new home for your pet, the shelter suggests the following local options:
Local Facebook Groups: Post in community pet and rehoming groups with clear photos, the pet’s name, age, and temperament.
Radio Swap Shop (93.3 JDX): Call (530) 257-TALK (8255) between 8:00a.m. and 9:00a.m., Monday through Saturday, to advertise your pet on air.
Lassen Humane Society: You can write a short bio of your pet, include photos, and email them to [email protected]. The Humane Society will post the pet on Petfinder.com as a courtesy. For questions regarding this service, call (530) 257-4555.
Behavioral Support
For owners considering rehoming a pet due to behavioral issues, the shelter recommends seeking guidance from local professionals before making a final decision.
“Sometimes, a little guidance can make all the difference and help you keep your beloved pet,” the shelter noted. They provided the following contact information for local trainers:
- Jackie Earnshaw (Sit Spot Canine Center): (530) 257-3161
- Savannah Bassett (Miller K9s): (530) 250-5492
- Ashley and Nick Lowrance (Lowrance K9s): (530) 394-8034
For additional questions or guidance, residents are encouraged to contact the Lassen County Animal Shelter directly at 1.530.257.9200.
