Pinal County Faces Surge in Abandoned Pets; Authorities Take Action

Pinal County Animal Care & Control is dealing with an alarming rise in the number of abandoned animals, a situation that has brought both concern and action from local authorities.

The most recent of these incidents occurred on September 30th, 2023, when a couple was reported for leaving cats in a secluded area of Coolidge. The swift action of an onlooker, who noted the vehicle's license plate and contacted the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, led to the apprehension of the perpetrators. The couple was arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

In another troubling event, surveillance cameras captured a family deserting three dogs in the parking lot of the shelter, one of which was visibly injured. These dogs were left in an enclosure meant for potential adopters to meet pets. Through investigative efforts, the family responsible was located and has been held financially accountable for their actions.

The community can find solace in knowing that all of the cats involved in the first incident have found new homes. The trio of abandoned dogs is on the mend, growing accustomed to the shelter staff, with hopes for adoption on the horizon.

However, this surge of surrenders has strained the shelter, pushing its capacity to the limit. The shelter's staff is making every effort to avert the euthanasia of healthy animals due to space constraints. Adoption Coordinators are reaching out to pet owners, urging them to explore every possible alternative, including pet rehoming services, boarding, low-cost mobile veterinary services, and local rescue organizations.

In response to these incidents, Pinal County Animal Care and Control is advocating for responsible pet surrender practices. The shelter is prepared to take in pets from owners who can no longer care for them, provided that an appointment is made and a surrender fee is paid. Additionally, they offer assistance to those seeking to retain their pets. A stark warning accompanies this offer: pet abandonment, or falsely claiming a pet as a stray, can result in substantial fines, citations, and potential arrest.

Sheriff Lamb has taken to social media to raise awareness about this issue. A video message regarding the recent abandoned animal cases can be viewed below, illustrating the gravity of the situation and law enforcement's dedication to animal welfare.

The shelter and local law enforcement are working in tandem to ensure that animals in Pinal County are treated with the care and respect they deserve. Community members are encouraged to view Sheriff Lamb's message and to step forward if they can provide a loving home to an animal in need.

For more information on responsible pet surrendering or to inquire about adoptions, contact Pinal County Animal Care & Control.