A Terrible Crime
The wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has put many people through terrible stress and concern about their health and financial security. So much so, that pet owners have now been reportedly “pet dumping” in order to alleviate some of the circulation going on about pets acquiring and spreading the terrible virus.
The law states that pet dumping is considered illegal and those that partake in the act can be prosecuted as criminals. It’s a very tough situation for many of these animals who depend on their owners to provide them with a lifetime of care. The financial and health pressures inflicted by the pandemic have ramped up this insidious act throughout many cities and suburbs across the nation.
One incident occurred in a small suburb outside the city of Atlanta. A videotape captured footage of an owner dumping out a litter of puppies outside Habersham County Animal Shelter.
Madi Nix, the shelter director, said, “It’s very disappointing. There is help out there. Please do not be ashamed if you cannot care for your pet anymore.”
Nix mentions that the unfounded fears of animals spreading the virus has indeed increased the illegal activity.
A tear-jerking image can be seen of a dog being abandoned in a Texas Church parking lot while nursing and tending to her newborn puppies.
In Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, a security camera caught a man strolling up to the Humane Animal Treatment Society with pet cages in both arms as he dumbed three cats before running away quickly. In addition, a woman was also caught on video tape leaving a cat in a pet carrier next to the trash and then riding off in her minivan. Angela Miedema, executive director of the shelter, said a total of four cats were left abandoned at the location in one day.
Miedema reported that out of the four cats left stranded, three of them had already been adopted while one successfully gave birth the next morning. “If you just reach out, give us the chance to help you, then you may be able to keep your pet.”
Cats seem to be the most victimized out of the animals involved since there were unproven reports of a handful of cats spreading the virus.
“Three of the four of them have already been adopted so that’s great news,” Miedema said. “One actually ended up giving birth the next morning. Even during the pandemic, if you just reach out to us you may be able to keep your pet and that’s really the take home message.”
A Punishable Act
Outside of a Michigan shelter, you can see a sign that warns, “Persons guilty of animal abandonment are subject to criminal prosecution.” The punishment for pet dumping can vary from state to state. In many places, it is a misdemeanor that could have a fine of $500 and up to 15 days in the county jail.
On the other hand, there are some uplifting stories of animal adoption that have taken place. A shelter in West Palm Beach County, FL applauded in happiness when they realized that every cage and shelter were left empty thanks to people adopting all of the locally abandoned animals.
Our hearts are broken with this terrible news. We need to care for our pets now more than ever in a time when their company can truly make our days feel worthwhile.
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