S.A. organizations battle animal abandonment

By Gianna Ursone, Chief Copy Editor

Animal abandonment is a growing issue both within the U.S. and in other countries.  But what some people might not know is that it can get pet owners in trouble with the law. 

In San Antonio, it is illegal to dump animals, and it is suggested that if somebody is unable to take care of a pet, that they turn it into the nearest animal shelter. If the owner fails to surrender the animal and instead abandons it, they can be forced to pay a $4,000 fine and can face up to a year in jail. 

While many cities in the United States have laws protecting animals, places like Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cambodia, China, DR Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Madagascar, and Mongolia have little to no laws put in place to stop animal abandonment.  

In San Antonio, at least two organizations are working to prevent animal abandonments and its effects.  

Animal Care Services (ACS) is a “municipal” animal shelter that “investigates cruelty and neglect cases, enforces local and state animal laws, and provides shelter and care for animals in need.” ACS helps to bring in animals that had issues in the past and helps to relocate them to other shelters to help them find a forever home. 

“In addition to enforcement and sheltering, ACS focuses heavily on community programs designed to reduce intake and support pet owners,” said Lisa Norwood, public relations manager for ACS. 

 The San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) is a non-killing and nonprofit animal shelter that provides medical care to animals in need. It offers spay and neuter services at its personal veterinary clinic and tends to animals that were taken in by the shelter. 

San Antonio-area animal shelters get their fair share of unwanted animals. 

According to an intake report, there were 1,129 stray dogs and 863 stray cats taken in by ACS in April.  Owners also surrendered 141 dogs and 34 cats that month. 

While statistics can be shocking, there are also success stories. A recent chocolate-colored mixed-breed dog named “Shirly” was dumped outside a shelter. She received medical treatment and quickly was adopted.   

Despite the owners’ inability to take care of these animals, the owners should not be shamed for turning their animals in, animal advocates say. They are simply giving the animal a better chance at a new life. 

“Sometimes an adopter’s circumstances change,” said Chelsea Aussenac, brand manager of the San Antonio Humane Society, “like moving or getting a new job, losing a job, or unexpected medical issues come up, and they aren’t able to take care of the pet they adopted anymore.” 

Abandoning an animal can lead to more than just problems with the law and an abundance of stray animals in the streets. It can also lead to serious health problems for the animal, including becoming infested with fleas and ticks, skin conditions, and broken bones from being hit by vehicles. 

Other times, abandoned animals kill native wild animals. In places like Australia, stray cats are constantly a threat to the native wildlife.  

“Free-roaming animals, including both dogs and cats, can have impacts on local wildlife,” Norwood said. “From a public safety standpoint, our primary focus is on reducing the number of companion animals roaming at large through enforcement, education and access to services.” 

There is one question that seems to arise in the case of many animals: What is the difference between dumping an animal versus turning an animal in? The only major difference is that dumping an animal is illegal while turning in an animal isn’t. However, there’s a big difference between the two. Animals who are being turned in have a more likely chance of avoiding injury and disease, while an animal being dumped is more likely to need to stay in medical care if found by someone. 

“Pets are considered property in the state of Texas so that comes into play with establishing legal ownership,” Norwood said. “Abandoning or dumping an animal typically refers to leaving a pet without providing for its care, such as leaving it in a public place or leaving a property without making arrangements for the dog or cat’s care.” 

Places like the ACS and the SAHS help to ensure that homeless cats and dogs get a chance at finding a forever home. 

Photos courtesy Animal Care Services, San Antonio Humane Society