The ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles are leaving a profound impact not only on families but also on their pets.
Joseph Navarrete, manager of the Downey Animal Care Center, reported an increase in animals being surrendered due to the deportations associated with these raids.
He noted that at least 18 pets have been turned over to shelters in the wake of the recent ICE actions.
Currently, the Downey shelter is home to four dogs, including two newcomers and two older residents who have been waiting for adoption since June.
The emotional toll of family separation is not confined to children and parents; beloved pets are equally affected, experiencing significant distress as their owners face uncertainty.
The ripple effects of the ICE raids are being felt throughout the community.
Local businesses are seeing foot traffic decline, families are struggling to cope after the detention of loved ones, and pets are often left behind when their owners are taken into custody.
Navarrete explained that many animals end up at the shelter when family members or neighbors step in to help by surrendering pets that can no longer be cared for.
This trend is not unexpected. In June alone, an estimated 2,000 individuals were arrested across seven counties, many of whom had no criminal record.
Consequently, pets are sometimes abandoned, left to fend for themselves, or worst of all, left homeless.
“We’re dealing with the aftermath of what’s going on,” Navarrete remarked during a recent tour of the shelter.
He elaborated that many owners are forced to surrender their pets due to financial constraints or housing restrictions after family members are taken into custody.
Among the animals in need of new homes are two Belgian Malinois, Canela and Rust, who were relinquished to the shelter on June 10th.
Canela, five years old, is a golden brown dog, while her brother Rust, eight years old, sports a black coat with tan brindle stripes.
Despite their circumstances, both dogs show undiminished spirits, greeting visitors with wagging tails and affectionate smiles.
They share an enclosure and enjoy their time outside playing in the yard, reflecting their loving nature.
As the aggressive month of arrests began, Canela and Rust were among those left to navigate an uncertain future after their owners were taken by ICE.
While staff at the Downey Animal Care Center strive to reunite pets with their families, Navarrete mentioned that if no one contacts them within the 15-day holding period, the animals will then be put up for adoption.
“The goal is to reunite them with their family, but if we can’t, we look for a new home,” he emphasized.
Navarrete also introduced two smaller newcomers to the shelter, Toby and Pelusa, who arrived the previous day.
These timid Apso mixes are still adjusting to their new environment.
Their sad, glossy eyes reveal how difficult the transition can be for animals that previously had a family setting.
“For any animal coming into any animal shelter, it’s always a huge impact; they’re coming into a very unknown environment,” Navarrete pointed out, noting the stress and confusion pets face during such changes.
Nearby, the sounds of barking reflect the unease prevalent in the shelter.
Other organizations are also stepping in to help address the rising number of pets in shelters.
Wags and Walks, a non-profit in the Sawtelle neighborhood, focuses on rescuing dogs at risk of euthanasia by providing foster homes and ultimately finding them new adopters.
Additionally, they are donating pet supplies to families facing struggles during the ongoing crisis.
Alejandra Avila from Party Animals, who collaborates with Wags and Walks, expressed heartbreak over the situation
“It’s heartbreaking seeing what’s happening. Right now, we’re at the point where we are trying to pinpoint where the help is needed and in what way,” she stated.
In Downey, Canela and Rust enjoyed their daily walk, cheerful and hopeful despite their uncertain fate.
While staff are committed to finding them a loving home, concerns linger about the possibility of them being euthanized if adoption does not occur soon.
Navarrete assured that all dogs, including those affected by the raids, undergo standard procedures such as spaying, neutering, microchipping, and full vaccinations before being made available for adoption.
To further assist families in need, the county is offering free food and medical vouchers for those caring for pets separated from their families.
He urged potential adopters to consider meeting dogs like Canela and Rust, particularly as shelters see increased intakes after the Fourth of July celebrations.
“Every shelter is inundated with animals daily,” Navarrete remarked.
“We try to provide as much emotional support as we can to the animals and make them comfortable, but ultimately, home is the best place for them.”
For those interested in adopting Canela (Animal ID: A5705909) or Rust (Animal ID: A5705907), visit the Downey Animal Care Center’s website.
image source from：lataco
