(June 30, 2009) -- LB's Bureau of Animal Care Services (colloquially "animal control") reminds pet owners that the loud sounds of firecrackers and fireworks can terrify pets, sending them running out of the house or yard in search of security...and into greater danger.
In a release, the city agency offers these suggestions:
Keep pets indoors, if possible, or confined to a secure area (never tether an animal because it can lead to more harm or an accidental death)
Double check yard gates to make sure that pets cannot escape
Make certain pets are wearing identification, including the name and current telephone number of owner
Anyone who loses an animal in LB, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Signal Hill or Cerritos should visit the City of LB's Petfinder wesbite at www.longbeach.gov/acs. If one doesn't see their pet online, then visit the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village (animal shelter) in person on Sunday, July 5 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p/m. at 7700 E. Spring St. between Studebaker Rd. and the 605 Freeway. (The facility will be closed July 4 but Animal Control Officers will be responding 24-hours a day to emergency calls, such as stray and injured animals, and animals that have bitten or scratched others.)
"Animal Care staff will contact owners of lost pets that have identification tags or microchips. Animals with identification will be held at the Village for fourteen days, pending being claimed by their owner. Animals without identification will be held for a minimum of six days before being evaluated for adoption," says the agency release.
