Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/pet-abandonment-california/

In a disheartening turn of events, a kennel in Rowland Heights, Los Angeles, became an unintended shelter for 31 dogs, abandoned by the rescue group Woofy Acres.

The distressing situation at Shanderin Kennels unfolds a story of abandonment, community effort, and the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and rescue operations.

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Over 30 pets were abandoned at a local kennel, facing an uncertain future.

Abandonment at the Kennels

Two years ago, Woofy Acres brought these dogs to Shanderin Kennels for what was supposed to be temporary housing, Dogtime reports. As days turned into months, and months into years, it became evident that the rescue group had no intention of returning for the dogs.

The kennel, already struggling with the financial and logistical demands of housing such a large number of animals, found itself in a dire predicament.

Samantha Redline, a veterinary technician at Shanderin Kennels, voiced her disbelief and disappointment at the situation.

“We don’t understand how anyone would think this is OK,” she told KTLA 5News, revealing that Woofy Acres had similarly abandoned animals at other facilities.

The cost of care for these abandoned dogs had soared to approximately $40,000, a significant burden for the kennel, reports the East Bay Times.

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The kennel, intended for short-term care, became an unintended shelter for these pets.

The Plight of the Abandoned

The dogs, consuming around 40 pounds of food daily, BNN Breaking reports, posed a considerable financial strain on Shanderin Kennels. Despite numerous attempts to contact Woofy Acres, the rescue group remained silent.

Local shelters, already operating at full capacity, have offered no relief, leaving the kennel with the heart-wrenching possibility of euthanization for these innocent animals.

Community Steps In

In response to this crisis, the community has rallied together to form the Kennel Eviction Rescue, an initiative aimed at finding homes for these neglected dogs.

This glimmer of hope has led to the adoption of some of the dogs, with more adoptions pending. However, the plight of the remaining dogs continues to be a concern.

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Abandoned by a supposed rescue group, the pets were left without a clear plan for their welfare.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The abandonment raises significant legal and ethical questions about the responsibilities of rescue organizations and the oversight of animal shelters. Orange County Animal Care, which had released several dogs to Woofy Acres, found itself under scrutiny for not thoroughly vetting the rescue group, the East Bay Times reports.

A Call for Action

The situation at Shanderin Kennels underscores a broader issue within the animal rescue community. It emphasizes the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and support for facilities that find themselves burdened with the care of abandoned animals.

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The cost of care for the abandoned pets has placed a significant financial burden on the kennel.

“It’s heartbreaking, especially looking at the way they were in the beginning,” Redline told KTLA 5News.

This distressing event is a wake-up call for stronger collaboration between rescue organizations, kennels, and the community. It’s imperative to foster an environment where the welfare of animals is paramount, and rescue groups operate with integrity and compassion.

The tale of the abandoned dogs at Shanderin Kennels is not just a story of neglect; it’s a rallying cry for change, urging us all to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Click below and take action for these animals!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog