The Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center says it wants to hold accountable the owners of two young German shepherds who were abandoned in early January near Glen Oaks Boulevard and Aztec Circle.
Sioux City Animal Rescue Center President Cindy Rarrat said Thursday morning the dogs were thin but not extremely emaciated despite one being found, with the assistance of Noah's Hope Animal Rescue, nearly two weeks after being dropped off by a van on Jan. 8. The other dog was found on Jan. 10. They're about nine to 12 months in age.
“They’re doing fine now but very scared,” she said. “In this cold weather, it’s just not acceptable to turn your dogs loose.”
Matt Anderson, Sioux City Public Museum Curator of History, talks about an exhibit of art from members of The Society of Animal Artists that is being hosted by the museum.
Rarrat said someone abandoning their dogs in such frigid temperatures is “signing an animal's life away” and that those responsible should be “prosecuted.”
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“When adopting an animal, it needs to be for the lifetime of the pet,” Rarrat said.
The two German shepherds, named Aztec and Desire, are being held as strays and if the owners do not claim them or make contact then they become available for adoption.
“Strangely enough, I’ve been here 40 years and this year has been very very difficult. There are a number of things going on … People are not spaying and neutering. We have been at capacity all year long,” Rarrat said. “I wish I had an answer. Usually this time of year is quiet.”
The Siouxland Humane Society brought domestic short hair mix cats to Pets on Parade 2024 in Sioux City to show just some of the animals it has at its shelter.
In recent times, Rarrat said the Sioux City Rescue Center has found puppies left in a box next to a dumpster and other box left on someone's porch.
Jared McNett is an online editor and reporter for the Sioux City Journal. You can reach him at 712-293-4234 and follow him on Twitter @TwoHeadedBoy98.
