Las Vegas shelter sees increase in animal dumping ahead of summer temperatures

Yahoo

4 days ago

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Video footage shared with 8 News Now shows two people dumping a dog in the parking of a Las Vegas valley animal shelter, making it one of two incidents in a week.
NSPCA shared the video of an animal being dumped on their property. Associate Director, Ebone Smith said this year alone, they've seen nearly 15 animals dumped either in or near their parking lot.
'We reviewed our cameras, and we saw that two people drove up and left a dog in a crate at the front door. This was around 6 p.m. and then at 10 p.m. someone walked through the parking lot and saw the dog and took the dog with them,' Smith shared.
NSPCA filed a report with Animal Protection Services and provided video of the people caught in the act.
As for the other incident that happened the following night, NSPCA said they weren't able to get the dumping completely on camera however, they found a dog in their parking lot the next morning.
That dog is currently being treated at their shelter.
As for why the NSPCA thinks this is happening, it's unclear, but they say it's a problem.
'I don't know if it's fear of judgement or they feel like there aren't enough resources. If you need food or medical assistance, they are resources, you just need to pick up the phone or stop into the NSPCA and we'd be more than happy to help you,' Smith added.
NSPCA'S Community Support Manager, Blake Hawk walked 8 News Now through the surrendering process online. Those interested can click here.
It can cost up to $40 dollars to surrender your pet depending on if your animal is neutered or spayed, but fortunately, the shelter will work with you if cost is an issue.
Smith added that while dumping an animal is illegal, with these scorching temperatures, it can be deadly too.
'Just because it feels cool enough to you, does not mean it's cool enough for a pet that's sitting on the ground in one spot, baking in the sun with no water or food,' Smith said. 'Unlike people where we can say, I'm hot and overheating. Pets can't so we have to pay attention to body language and behavior.'
In the City of Las Vegas and Clark County, anyone who is caught dumping or abandoning an animal could face up to a $1,000 fine.
With Reba's Law awaiting Senate approval, the hope is that the bill will strengthen penalties for animal cruelty in Nevada to include prison time and increased fines.
As for surrendering an animal to The Animal Foundation, their fee is $10. Click this link for more information.
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