Beloved pets are being left behind as more families are being deported due to federal immigration enforcement across Southern California.
Carson Animal Care Center has taken in Coco, a 2-year-old pug-beagle mix, and Bruce, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever mix, into their care after their families were ordered to leave the country immediately.
“They’re both very nice, lovable, adoptable pets,” said Sgt. Julie Villegas of the Carson Animal Care Center. “We’re here to offer them the support and care they need.”
There are a variety of reasons why their families couldn’t bring the dogs, Villegas said. After federal officers carry out immigration enforcement actions or families self-deport, she said the children sometimes come to the shelter for the painful goodbye.
“It’s a very emotional time,” Villegas said. “Families are crying and they’re having a hard time letting go.”
She added that Coco and Bruce are a lot quieter than their fellow kennel mates and, in their own way, may be wondering what happened.
Although there are only two dogs currently at Carson Animal Care Center that have been affected by immigration enforcement, Villegas anticipates more as federal operations continue.
Animals, including Coco and Bruce, are now available for adoption in shelters throughout Southern California.
A complete list of the shelter’s rescues who are up for adoption can be found on the Carson Animal Care Center’s website.