22 Dogs Rescued From California Homeless Encampment as Animal Shelter Struggles to Find Them Homes

A group of 22 dogs, including eight puppies, have been rescued from a homeless encampment in Southern California after authorities found them roaming dangerously close to traffic and a nearby oil field.

The rescue took place on Monday, November 2, in the river bottom area of Oxnard, Ventura County. The dogs had been gathering near an encampment around Fifth Street and Harbor Boulevard, close to the West Montalvo Oil Field.

The Oxnard Animal Safety Unit received reports of more than 20 dogs roaming in the area and requested assistance from Ventura County Animal Services and the nonprofit organization Dog Days Search & Rescue.

Animal services officers eventually managed to secure 22 dogs and transport them to a shelter.

Eight of the animals were puppies, while the remaining 14 ranged from young dogs to fully grown adults. All were mixed breeds.

Officials said the dogs had been wandering onto private property, approaching vehicle traffic and interfering with operations at the nearby oil field. Authorities also expressed concern that leaving such a large group unattended could expose the animals to serious dangers, including being struck by cars, going hungry or continuing to reproduce.

The dogs appeared to be in generally good health, but shelter officials warned that many were frightened and would need patience, time and affection before adjusting to new homes.

Ventura County Animal Services said the animals would receive vaccinations, flea treatments, spaying or neutering and microchips before being placed for adoption.

However, their rescue has created another challenge. Both of the county’s animal shelters are already operating at approximately 130 percent of their capacity, leaving officials urgently seeking adopters and rescue organizations willing to help.

Authorities believe the group may have started with a smaller number of abandoned dogs that gradually multiplied after people in the area began feeding them. Only one of the rescued animals was found to have a microchip.

Animal services officials emphasized that the dogs would not automatically face euthanasia simply because they had entered the shelter. They said the priority was to find suitable homes or rescue placements for the animals.

The rescue team is also continuing efforts to capture two additional dogs believed to remain in the nearby oil field.

For now, all 22 rescued dogs are safe, but their next challenge is finding families willing to give them the care and patience they need.

Source:  DAILYMAIL