Animal control officials in Palm Beach County are running into an alarming trend that’s causing them to call it unprecedented ‘animal cruelty’.
With Hurricane Irma making its way to Palm Beach County, animal control officers are rushing to rescue abandoned animals often left outside.
‘They are left in a yard, in a pen they cannot escape from or tethered to trees or poles,’Director of Animal Care Diane Suave said to WPTV.
Animal control officers are rushing to rescue abandoned animals often left outside in Palm Beach County, Florida
So far, Palm Beach County Animal Care has stated that they’ve rescued 49 dogs and two cats in the last 48 hours.
This comes a day after animal officials reported dozens of dogs chained to trees and parked cars.
‘Even a tiny bit of sand can hurt an animal when it’s traveling through 100-plus mph winds,’ Sauve said.
So far, Palm Beach County Animal Care has stated that they’ve rescued 49 dogs and two cats in the last 48 hours
This comes a day after animal officials reported dozens of dogs chained to trees and parked cars
The officers were pulled off the roads around 2.30pm on Saturday and Sauve added that officers are permitted to rescue animals when winds reach a sustained 35mph.
‘We are asking the public, if it is safe, consider sheltering any animals you see left outside,’ she said.
State Attorney Dave Aronberg agreed to the sentiment Sauve shared about them prosecuting anyone they caught who left their animals outside during Hurricane Irma.
State Attorney Dave Aronberg plans on prosecuting anyone they caught who left their animals outside during Hurricane Irma
‘This is a prime example of animal cruelty,’ Aronberg said. ‘We will find you, and we will prosecute you.’
She added that officials will use every means and every paper trail imaginable to track down animal cruelty offenders.
‘It’s unconscionable,’ she added.
‘We will not stand for it here in Palm Beach County.’