HOLLISTER, CA – June 13, 2022 -On August 24, 2020, at approximately 0816 hours, Hollister Animal Control Officers discovered twenty Terrier type dogs left in the Hollister Animal Shelter afterhours kennels. Only one out of the twenty animals possessed a microchip. Despite numerous attempts to contact the registered owner, they failed to reclaim their dog.
Each animal served its state-mandated stray hold periods and was subsequently sent off to the rescue. The dog possessing a microchip served its state-mandated, owned animal hold period and was later adopted.
On May 29, 2022, at approximately 1155 hours, Hollister Animal Control Officers discovered three Terrier type dogs left in one of the afterhours kennels located in front of the Hollister Animal Shelter.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the dogs had been potentially abandoned.
Animal Control Officers conducted further investigation and reviewed security footage of the incident, and identified a person of interest who resides in Santa Clara County. A name and address for this individual was obtained and matched the microchip information of the aforementioned dogs previously left in the afterhours kennels in August 2020.
Upon contact, the individual admitted to abandoning the dogs due to no longer being able to provide care for them, despite continuing to own additional animals. Animal Control Officers issued a criminal citation for violation of PC 597s(a)- Abandonment of Animals.
The Hollister Animal Shelter would like to remind the public that it is unlawful to abandon an owned animal at the shelter or any public place as it violates PC 597s(a). If you would like to surrender an animal, you can do so during business hours, within your corresponding County’s Animal Care facility.
The Hollister Animal Shelter would also like to remind the public that stray intake forms are available and are required to be filled out by the finder of a found stray animal found within San Benito County, prior to placing the animal in the night kennels.
If you are a San Benito County resident with any questions regarding surrendering an animal, please contact the Hollister Animal Shelter at 636-4320.
Prepared by: Alyssa Bautista, AC Supervisor
Approved by: Rosie Betanio, Captain
