MONTEREY COUNTY — A team from SPCA Monterey County traveled to the Los Angeles area Saturday to take in cats and dogs from animal shelters to help provide room for more fire evacuees.
So far, the SPCA opened its arms to 11 pets, including one cat, one kitten, five dogs and four puppies. The pets were all in Los Angeles area shelters before the dangerous wildfires began.
“The fires in Los Angeles are devastating,” said Scott Delucchi, SPCA Monterey County president and CEO. “We know all too well how disasters can impact pet owners given our recent experiences here, and we are here to do anything we can to help the shelters who are working so hard to rescue and care for animals. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this horrible disaster.”
The pets include Lyle, a 1-year-old terrier mix; Ben Jr., a 14-week-old tabby kitten; Winter, a 1-year-old Pug; and Gemma, a 4-month-old pit bull mix puppy. SPCA Monterey County expected the pets to be available for adoption starting Tuesday at its shelter in Salinas.
Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR), based in Pacific Grove, also took in four dogs from Los Angeles animal shelters on Saturday. According to Monica Rua, POMDR co-founder, many of the impacted shelters had already sent dogs to foster homes or to other shelters and rescue groups.
“It was heartwarming to see so many organizations and individuals step up to help,” Rua said.
As of Monday, the Los Angeles area is battling multiple wildfires that have collectively burned more than 38,600 acres. The fires have destroyed thousands of structures and resulted in at least 24 deaths, with strong winds and low humidity continuing to exacerbate the situation.
SPCA Monterey County has a skilled animal rescue team ready to assist in the fire areas once requested. POMDR also is prepared to make another trip to Los Angeles to rescue more dogs as needed.
The SPCA offered the following ways that the community can help:
• Prepare for a Disaster — Create a disaster plan and kits for your family, including pets. A fire or other disaster could happen here at any time: SPCAmc.org/disaster.
• Adopt — Help SPCA make room to take in more animals from other shelters, both locally and in the fire areas: SPCAmc.org/adopt.
• Donate to Help — Learn how to help animal rescue organizations in the fire areas: SPCAmc.org/california-fires.
