| |
Downey, CA
… For the second time in three days, SEAACA officers
have converged on a ten block area of South Gate near South Gate
Park and methodically swept streets in teams of two looking for
stray dogs. Since Thursday of last week 24 dead cats have been
picked up in an area bordered by Southern Ave. to the north, Tweedy
Blvd. to the south, Annetta Ave. to the east and San Antonio Ave. to
the west, prompting this operation. "All the cats have been
mutilated and wet from what appears to be another animal's saliva,"
said Captain Aaron Reyes, director of operations for SEAACA. "They
have not been carried off for food, such as when a coyote attacks,
which is why we believe they are dying at the jaws of a dog or dogs
running loose in the area," Reyes stated.
Today's sweep
began at 4 am and involved six SEAACA officers. The sweep began at
South Gate Park which, aside from the early morning joggers, was
quiet at that time of the morning. It didn't take long before strays
were spotted, a total of seven this morning, two being returned to
their owners, one that eluded capture and the others impounded by
officers. Two residents received citations for allowing their dogs
to run loose and for not having a dog license, both violations of
law. "These counts are misdemeanors and can land the owners in jail
or with a hefty fine if convicted." In addition to the stray dogs,
one mutilated cat was found in an alley near Tweedy Blvd., an
injured bunny was rescued in an alley way and a dead dog was
discovered in the park's parking lot.
No one has come
forward and asked about their missing cat, nor has SEAACA received
complaints about dogs menacing the neighborhood. "These operations
are entirely a proactive means at addressing this issue. We're
hopeful the community will call us when they see dogs running loose
and especially if they witness a dog attacking another animal or a
person." Allowing dogs to run loose is a public health and safety
issue. "Dogs tend to roam in packs and, if unaltered, they may
become aggressive and attack anyone it perceives as being in their
territory. Couple this with dogs that may be without their
vaccinations and there you have a serious health concern as well,"
Reyes exclaimed. Residents are reminded to keep their cats indoors,
place identification on them and/or have them micro-chipped.
SEAACA can be
contacted at (562) 803-3301 for any animal related concern in the
community. Sweeps in the city will continue unannounced as needed. |
|
Animal
Law Enforcement & Rescue
