Pets Caught In The Foreclosure Net

March 27th, 2008 | Tags: Foreclosure

In all parts of the country reports are pouring in of pets uprooted by the foreclosure tsunami either dying in chains, abandoned on roads or if they are lucky being left behind in animal shelters in strange environments. As yet statistics is scant because a nationwide system of recording has not as yet evolved. Most of the owners do not specifically state why they are leaving behind the pets but just state that they are shifting. There is a distinct relationship between intense foreclosed zones and rise in pets in shelters located in these areas. It becomes inevitable with falling economy, unemployment, illness and divorces coupling up with foreclosures. It is affecting house owners as well as tenants. Homes are breaking up. Houses remain abandoned and eerie.

Some shelters remain as they were previously but many are being deluged remarks Steve Zawistowski, a spokesperson of ASPCA. Soon the others too are going to be affected as the foreclosure virus spreads and the economy slides down. The situation is so grave that the HSUS or Humane Society of the United States created a basic fund of $15,000 to help the animal shelters and rescue groups that have come up trying to give short time relief to the dumb animals. Public contributions are also being sought.

The animal shelter of Sacramento (SPCA) opened their doors to176 dogs and cats because the owners were ‘moving’. Rick Johnson its director says early assistance plans are being chalked out to advice people how best they can keep their pets or make short time arrangements before they take the final stage of abandoning them altogether. The animal lovers meet the creatures and the future landlords to try ironing out the differences landlords often raise about allowing pets. The staff are dedicated and devote a lot of time ungrudgingly to see that the animals are not separated from their owners

The SPCA of Pennsylvania is not charging the usual fees for keeping the pets as long as the owner wants until the latter can find a suitable shelter for themselves. The people are in a state of trauma being battered by foreclosure – they should not be made to suffer more for their pets and worry about them being put to sleep. Society must stand beside them at least on this one point – says Howard Nelson, the CEO. In about three months at least 10 families have availed of this opportunity.