71 pets impounded at OC Animal Care after high winds strike Orange County

TUSTIN — OC Animal Care has taken in 71 pets likely spooked by high winds over the last two days.

Now, officials at the shelter are hoping to reunite those pets with their owners as soon as possible.

On Monday, Oct. 15 and Tuesday, Oct. 16, 33 stray dogs and 38 stray cats were brought in to the shelter by field officers and residents who found the animals. Some of the animals likely got loose when their enclosures became dislodged in the wind.

Owners of animals brought into the shelter without identification have four days to claim their pets. Owners whose pets have identification have seven days, said Mike Kaviani, director of OC Animal Care.

After that, the animals will go up for adoption.

The addition of these pets has brought the shelter to 80 percent capacity, which means general adoption fees will be waived.

Owners of animals impounded in the past two days that have not previously been picked up as strays also will see a significant discount when retrieving their pets, Kaviani said. If owners are unable to pick up their animals from the shelter, transportation home will be provided.

Pet owners should be aware of weather alerts and make sure their property and pets are secure, advised OC Animal Care. Pet owners should also make sure their animals are microchipped and are wearing proper identification tags.