Food banks -- for pets

In another sign of a struggling economy, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is opening a pet food bank in Monterey County for owners who are thinking of giving up their pets because they can no longer afford to feed them. The Central Coast's TheCalifornian.com reports:

The SPCA’s Pet Food Bank, the first of its kind in Monterey County, is supported by cash donations and donations of unexpired, unopened pet food. Many needy families in our community are pet owners who love their pets but are having a difficult time providing food for both their families and their animals. This new program reduces the risk of families being forced to give up their beloved pets because they can’t afford to feed them.

And Monterey County isn't the only place that is trying to help pet owners. The Daily Breeze reports on efforts nationwide.

The Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, Ill., has seen the average number of pet owners getting monthly rations from its pet food pantry increase by more than 50% since last year.

Meanwhile, the number of people seeking service at its discounted veterinary clinic has more than doubled, said Linda Estrada, the group's director and president. "We could do it every day if we had enough food, I mean, that's how bad it's gotten," Estrada said. "The line goes all the way down the street" as pet owners gather once a month for supplies.

In Santa Cruz, a pet food bank run by the SPCA has seen demand spike by about 20% in the last six months. The facility typically hands out about 5,000 pounds of free pet food a month.

Photo: Anne Cusak / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Hopeful]

How about an address or phone number for people who are able to help? I'm fortunate enough right now to be able to feed my animals and wouldn't think twice about donating to help someone else be able to keep and feed their furry family members.

[lil_gaucha]

This from the county that famously tore down its only homeless shelter so it could build a Steinbeck museum.

I'm really not sure what to think about this.

[Sam Adams]

Geez, I remember when we helped out the poor with food ... I guess we have our priorities straight NorCal ...

[Lori]

As usual, there are always a few ignorant types who have to imply that anyone who cares for animals must be doing so at the expense of human beings that are (obviously) more deserving. It IS possible to care about both, you know.

[David J. Skjonsby]

Sign me up as a donor.
U-DOG (uncledavidoldguy)

[mydogisbetter]

I think priorities are straight here. If a pet can't eat, or doesn't have a place to stay it's a reflection of a neglectful owner. If a homeless person is in the same position it's because of choices they've made personally. Not to seem insensitive or anything, I just feel that helping the helpless (the animals) is more justifiable than helping the potentially capable (the homeless).

[Rich]

Lori,

I see your point about some implying "that anyone who cares for animals must be doing so at the expense of human beings." Of course, it IS possible to do both. I just wish we would see more evidence of people doing both.

[Mary Ellen]

Why is Venture County - which is much less wealthy than both Los Angeles & Orange - the only one doing this?
This is one of the sickening realities of living here in Southern California that there is a lot of wealth BUT it certainly isn't distributed even somewhat evenly.
Everything that is wrong with this country is displayed clearly in Southern California.

[The SPCA for Monterey County]

For more information on The SPCA for Monterey County's new Pet Food Bank, please visit http://www.spcamc.org/pet-food-bank.htm