Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner
The Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority is asking for additional donations to help it care for the dogs and puppies rescued in July and August from Robert Brunette’s property in Boulder Creek.
Fifty-one canines were removed on multiple visits between July 26 and Aug. 17. They had been starved and living in filth, animal officers said. Brunette is in jail awaiting trial on animal cruelty charges.
Some of the animals already have found new homes, and others are being readied for adoption.
“The cost to the agency has been overwhelming because of the veterinary bills and the need to house some of the dogs at off-site facilities,” said Henry Brzezinski, animal services general manager.
“We have incurred over $30,000 in bills so far, which doesn’t even include our boarding costs in-house and an enormous amount of staff overtime for the rescue.”
The Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority needs donations to help care for the dogs and puppies rescued from Robert Brunette’s property in Boulder Creek. Above, Precious, one of the 51 dogs removed from the home during July and August, waits to be adopted. Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner
Animal services has begun spaying, neutering and offering the healthy puppies for adoption. Many of the puppies and adult dogs still have health and behavior problems that require ongoing veterinary care and medication. These animals are not yet healthy enough to be adopted into new homes, officials said.
“We are committed to these dogs receiving the necessary veterinary care and socialization to aid them in their recovery,” Brzezinski said. “We have utilized the money generously donated to us at the onset of this case for these animals, and we continue to receive donations. We still need the community’s help.”
Contributions can be mailed or brought to 2200 Seventh Ave., Santa Cruz 95062, the address of the shelter’s new headquarters. Nonprofit Friends of Santa Cruz County Animals is also accepting donations to help pay for the dogs’ care at www.FOSSCA.org.
Animal services closed its Scotts Valley shelter earlier this week. For adoption information, call 454-7303.
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When I call 454-7303, there is no intake message for me to leave a question and return phone call. I'm happy and amazed other wonderful folks have actually found a way to donate money to you for these sweet dogs, considering my complete inability to do so! Please e-mail me your suggestion as to how to get my little donation into the right hands without having to drive anywhere or do anymore research. Thanks. Wendy