Owners Affected By Immigration Raids, Los Angeles Authority Accommodates Pets

JAKARTA - The Los Angeles County Authority has a new task of caring for dogs and cats after its owner was detained or deported in this summer's immigration raids under President Donald Trump's Administration.

Since June 10, the area has received 28 animals, 22 of which are dogs. Eleven dogs and two cats have been placed in shelters since then.

At the knowledge shelter, two cats came together in a cage and some dogs came in plastic boxes and containers. Then they were placed in the cage awaiting adoption, and the gongong and mengong could sound loud.

"These animals have become a kind of victim in this situation because, not because of their own mistakes, they found themselves in a treatment center," Christopher Valles, a public information officer for the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Department, said.

"However, that is why this message is important to convey so that families who have pets, if they feel they will be in a situation where they may deport themselves, be deported, or detained, whatever it is: Prepare the plan so that your pet can be treated by close friends or family members," he explained.

"While dogs and cats are waiting to be placed at home, the local government will carry out pet health checks and treat them if needed," said Valles.

"So, the only approach we have changed in the way we operate regarding deportation operations in our region is how we can help people better, because this is something we have never seen before," explained Valles.

Valles gave advice to families who felt they might be detained or deported.

"During these difficult times, with the ongoing deportation operation, we are closely monitoring it, but we have plans. Make biodata for your dogs, contact your neighbors, your family, which can be an alternative in addition to handing over your pets to the treatment center," said Valles.

"We know these are difficult times, but if we can keep the animal with its owner or with his family or outside the treatment center, that's our goal," he said.