By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image Credit: County Department of Animal Services

July 5, 2016 (San Diego) -- Dozens of dogs are waiting for their owners at the County’s three animal care facilities the day after Fourth of July fireworks exploded around the county. While it’s impossible to say exactly what drove each dog loose, they are known to panic at the noise and run off to escape. As of late Tuesday afternoon, 59 dogs had been brought into the shelters and more are still expected to arrive. Last year, 67 dogs came in the first few days after the Fourth of July.

May 22, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Nearly all the animals rescued by the County Department of Animal Services during the recent wildfires are back home with their owners.  Animal Services rescued more than 50 animals when fires broke out across our region last week. In all six cats, four goats, 18 dogs, 21 horses, an emu and a bird were taken in to the department’s care. Only three cats remain. Animal Control officers also helped a couple dozen owners evacuate their horses to locations other than the shelters. Officers evacuated between 40 and 50 head of cattle from just one ranch alone.