As warned by Southern California shelters and animal experts, the incessant fireworks that occurred during the Fourth of July weekend have startled hundreds of pets, prompting them to escape home.
NBC Los Angeles reached out to Southern California county and city governments to get the latest data on Monday with a few of them responding with the newest statistics.
Los Angeles County said it’s received a total of 189 stray animals to its care centers. One hundred eighteen of them were dogs, 36 were cats and 35 were other types of animals, county officials said.
“We are already seeing owners come forward to reclaim their pets, and our teams are working to help reunite as many animals as possible with their families,” LA County Department of Animal Care and Control told NBCLA.
In Riverside County, a shocking number of animals were admitted to the shelters between July 1 and July 5: With some 360 pets already being entered into the Riverside County shelters, officials expect to have more stray cats to come in.
Among the 360 animals that were turned in, 40 of them were picked up by their owners.
During the two-week period around the Fourth of July holiday last year, Riverside County received over 1,200 dogs and cats.
Pasadena Humane, which has played a critical role in saving animals’ lives during the Eaton Fire, said it took in about 30 animals, including 16 dogs. Officials with the shelter said they believe most of the lost animals were probably related to fireworks.
In the city of Mission Viejo, a total of six dogs were impounded, officials said. Luckily, four of them have been picked up by their owners, while two of them are still in the shelter. One stray Shih Tzu was said to be still missing in the Orange County town.
The San Diego Humane Society said it’s taken in 127 lost pets as of Monday morning. Just 22 of those have been reclaimed by their owners.
Here’s what pet owners should do if their animals are lost:
Check everywhere as quickly as possible, including local shelters.
Check lost animal database, such as Petco’s Love Lost.
Check social media groups, such as Facebook community pages, and NextDoor.