UPDATE: Riverside County animal shelters are in a state of crisis as they face an overwhelming number of dogs. With over 1,000 dogs in their care, the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus has reached a staggering 270% capacity, prompting officials to call for immediate action.
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is urgently appealing to the community for help in adopting or fostering dogs. Their goal is to find homes for 30 large dogs within the next 48 hours, aiming for November 6. The situation has become dire, with overcrowding putting many animals at risk of euthanasia due to the lack of space and resources.
“Operating in critical overcapacity puts animals at risk of sickness or injury and is not safe for pets or staff,”
stated Mary Martin, Director of RCDAS. She emphasized the pressing need for community support, urging residents to open their homes to help save lives.
All pets at the shelters are currently available for adoption at no cost, which includes essential services such as spay/neuter procedures, microchips, vaccinations, and an engraved ID tag. The department also highlights the urgent need for foster homes, especially for large dogs, that can accommodate animals for a minimum of two weeks.
“We need to be ready to continue receiving animals that have nowhere else to go,” Martin added, reinforcing the importance of community involvement during this critical time.
For those interested in fostering or adopting a dog, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services provides all necessary supplies for foster families. To learn more about how you can help, visit www.rcdas.org.
This urgent request not only highlights the challenges faced by local shelters but also underscores the vital role that community members can play in ensuring the safety and well-being of these animals. With the clock ticking, every moment counts in making a difference.
