Pet dumping creates a problem at Mile Square Park

Angelique Flores

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Chickens, rabbits, an iguana and a turtle -- those are

just a few of the animals Mile Square Park rangers said have been dumped

there lately.

Two dogs were found at the park last week. And two weeks ago, a litter of

10 puppies were found by park staff, who said they’ve been picking up

abandoned animals on a weekly basis.

“Most of the animals that get dumped are older, sick dogs,” said Lorrie

Zuczek, the park’s maintenance crew supervisor.

A farm could be opened with all the animals found. Besides those already

mentioned, rangers have found cats, a snake, geese, a hamster and ducks.

Zuczek also found a dead dog thrown in a park trash can.

About 20 cats now live within the park’s drain system and nature area.

Though strays do find their way into the park, Zuczek said most of the

animals seem to be dropped off. Park rangers often find the animals tied

to a tree or picnic table. After taking them in, the park usually holds

the animals for a few days, in case the owner wants to claim them.

“We’ve never had someone come in and look for a lost animal,” Zuczek

said.

Park staff and patrons have adopted or found homes for some of the

abandoned pets. But when the animals aren’t claimed, which is usually the

case, park authorities call the Orange County Animal Care Services, as

they did last week with a German shepherd and retriever mix. The shelter

then keeps the animals for four days, during which time veterinarians

determine their fate. Some animals are suitable for adoption. But if the

animals are aggressive or severely ill, adoption is not an option.

“Some are put to sleep because they would be taking the the place of an

animal that is adoptable,” said Tricia James, spokeswoman for Orange

County Animal Care Services.

Overall, the animals are better off in a shelter than in the park.

“The animals are subject to being hit by a car, disease, the cold and

other dangerous elements,” said Richard Huffnagle, supervising park

ranger.

And their owners are subject to a hefty fine -- or worse. According to

state law, abandoning a domestic animal is a misdemeanor, and anyone

found guilty could face a $1,000 fine or a year in jail, said Sgt. Jim

Perry of the Fountain Valley Police Department.

But few people are caught.

“It would take a little bit of luck without an eyewitness,” Perry said.

Park rangers may consider proposing that signs be installed to warn

patrons against leaving their pets behind.

But Huffnagle has some reservations about that.

“If we put up signs with all the ordinances, the park would be nothing

but signs,” he said.