The Del Norte dog pound is overwhelmed with an explosion of dogs. “There’s just no more room to house and care for these pups,” says Animal Control Director Eileen Bennett. She reports 47 dogs of which nine are smaller breeds and can be housed in the main office are individually caged at the time of printing of this report. Bennett’s message is clear: “Care for the dogs starts with responsible dog ownership.” Bennett has plans for outreach to Del Norte schools to teach responsible pet ownership to the kids.
Oversight of the Pound falls under Del Norte Sheriff Garrett Scott who is reaching out to the public to please adopt a dog. “We need the public to come out to the pound and find your pup, give he/she a loving home.”
Director Bennett shared about 45 percent of our dogs are separated from their homes and are ultimately retrieved. She shared, “…for many folks, dogs are dropped off here as abused or abandoned by their owners. We needs foster parents, full-time adoptive parents and volunteers. It’s tragic.” During The Covid era, adoptions were helpful. Folks were hunkered down in their homes with Man’s Best Friend. Today, many folks tell the pound they simply don’t have the time to take in a dog or take care of their existing pet. Unfortunate!
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The explosion of the dog population is a Golden State problem. Every county is experiencing a massive increase of dogs.
Sheriff Scott has introduced the Shelter Pro service, where animals are tracked and tagged in an effort to reunite the dogs with their owners. The Sheriff is in process of negotiating a new contract with Crescent City to help house these creatures, and consider opening a modest City dog pound. The City of Fortuna supports a pound to assist Humboldt County’s Dog Pound.
On staff are two full-time patrol officers, the Director, a secretary and a small group of volunteers. More volunteers are needed to walk dogs, wash dishes, feed and help transport the dogs for spay/ neuter service and just give love and attention to these creatures.
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The challenge to provide care for these animals reaches way past canines. Livestock, pigs, goats and horses are often dropped off at the Pound. The Sheriff plans to meet with Supervisors seeking additional funding to acquire a new truck and horse trailer.
The Del Norte Dog Pound is located at 2650 W. Washington Blvd, (707) 464-7235. Please help us out!
