CERES, Calif. — Officials in Stanislaus County are calling on the public’s help with adoptions after 38 dogs were rescued from a hoarding situation putting the county’s shelter way over capacity.
"The conditions were just absolutely horrendous as you can imagine," said Vaughn Maurice, executive director of the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency.
Maurice’s team rounded up the 38 chihuahuas from a home near Ceres Monday after a neighbor became afraid that the dogs would attack their kids.
"We went out to the scene to find several chihuahuas running around. Apparently, they made a break out of a neighbor’s backyard," said Maurice. "Our officers called for assistance and then went to the house, and upon opening the front door, they noticed many, many more chihuahuas inside as well.”
Maurice said the owner of the home helped the officers round up the dogs. It wasn’t until the chihuahuas of various ages were at the shelter that officials realized they had even more than they thought.
"Some are actually pregnant, adding to the number. And some of the very young puppies aren’t available for adoption but most are,” said Maurice.
Even without the rescued chihuahuas, the kennels at the shelter are over capacity by a few hundred animals, which is why officials have lowered the adoption fee to $7.77 through Sunday.
"We have 303 dogs. Our facility comfortably holds 183. So that's a number far greater than what we're comfortable with," said Maurice. "This is where we ask for the community’s help in helping us get them out by either adopting or coming to help and foster or letting friends and family know that these animals are ready for adoption."
While the shelter is considered no-kill, they do euthanize dogs for medical or behavioral reasons. In the past year, they’ve had to put down at least 40 each month.
Even though his shelter is in extra need right now, Maurice said the message of helping dogs in need is universal.
"Every shelter in California is going through this massive overcrowding right now," said Maurice. "We are all desperate for volunteers, for fosters, for donations and for adopters.”
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