People Who Abandoned Their Pets During Evacuation for Hurricane Irma Will Face Charges
Pet owners in Florida who abandoned their pets while evacuating the state because of Hurricane Irma will face charges.
Florida authorities are planning to press felony charges against those irresponsible and heartless pet owners who left their furry family members outside on their own while Hurricane Irma hit the state, the New York Post reports.
Officers of the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control gathered about 40 dogs, most of which they found tied to poles or left in their outside cages.
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The agency director for the Palm Beach county Animal Care and Control, Dianne Sauve, said, "There is absolutely no excuse for doing that."
Sauve is teaming up with Palm Beach County's state prosecutor, Dave Aronberg, in making sure that these pet owners get punished accordingly.
"This is a prime example of animal cruelty. We will find you, and we will prosecute you," said Aronberg.
Sauve also noted that they had a higher number of surrendered cats and dogs for Hurricane Irma compared to other storms. Although Sauve said that it was already expected, the fact that so many owners are giving up their pets is still disheartening.
"It's always disappointing. Our goal is to keep pets and people together," Sauve told USA Today.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said that they rescued as much as 600 animals in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina after Hurricane Irma hit.
ASPCA vice president Tim Rickey reminded pet owners before Hurricane Irma arrived that they should bring their furry family members with them.
"It's critical for pet owners to consider their animals when preparing for any disaster, and we strongly urge them to always bring their animals with them if they have to evacuate their home," Rickey said in a statement.
Rickey added that although their organization is willing to help their pets, pet owners are still the "best line of defence" for them.
