Pets
113 Dogs Impounded Following Jurupa Valley House Fire
The dogs, mostly small terrier mix breeds, were not hurt in the blaze. They are now available for adoption.
JURUPA VALLEY, CA — More than 100 dogs impounded after the property where they were kept in Jurupa Valley sustained major damage during a fire are now available for adoption.
The non-injury blaze occurred at a residence in the 6000 block of Avenida Juan Diaz, adjacent to the Jurupa Hills Country Club, shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
The flames erupted in a garage attached to a house and spread into the living quarters, displacing the four occupants, according to the agency.
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Firefighters discovered 113 canines, mostly small terrier mix breeds, at the location while knocking down the blaze, which remains under investigation. None of the dogs suffered injuries.
Department of Animal Services personnel were summoned, and between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, they collected, examined and impounded the dogs, spokeswoman Kerri Mabee told City News Service.
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"The dogs were found in decent condition, and all 113 dogs were voluntarily surrendered by the owner," she said.
There was no evidence of animal cruelty, only hoarding. Anyone with five or more dogs under county jurisdiction is required to obtain a kennel license and operate under specified criteria.
Some of the canines from the fire-damaged property have been transferred to nonprofit animal rescue organizations that partner with the county and are up for adoption at various locations, while many are available to adopt from the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley.
"When tragic situations like these occur, our teams are trained and ready to respond," Mabee said. "The challenge is now to find homes for these pets."
They are among animals that can be viewed and selected for adoption without microchipping, vaccination or spay and neuter fees on Saturday during the countywide "Barkchella" event.
Additional information is available at http://www.rcdas.org.
Related: 60 Horses, 40 Dogs Seized In RivCo Cruelty Case; Adoption Available
