06/26/2025
This is Benny. His owners were deported during an immigration raid in New York City in February. Enlace Latino, a public service journalism outlet for Latino immigrant communities, published a piece earlier this year titled, "How Can I Plan For My Pets' Future if I Am Detained or Deported?" Link to article in comment section, below.
At the moment, we are not aware of a network in place to insure the well-being of the pets left behind. Friends of friends are stepping up to help as are strangers. In many cases, animal services may be called to confiscate the pets.
Just a few days ago, at least five dogs on Florida's Gulf Coast were left behind after ICE detained their owners. Adopt and Save A Life Rescue, out of Cape Coral, has taken in about 13 dogs whose owners were deported. "Unfortunately, this is not an isolated situation," said Samantha Blain with Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission. "We believe that there are many more cases out there that haven't reached us yet."
There are five cases confirmed in Lee County. The operator of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter said they adopted out three dogs whose owners were detained. The Guardians of Southwest Florida rescue said they have taken in two as a result of their owners being deported. Mercy Full Project recently took in a male and female German Shepherd Dogs and their litter of puppies from someone who was deported.
It's illegal to abandon a pet in Florida. The fact that ICE and other authorities are doing just that is pretty ironic. 🤨
Have you had someone close to you that this has happened to? Does anyone have suggestions?
Has a network to help been established?
Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission
Cape Coral Animal Shelter & Veterinary Clinic
Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue
Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force
Enlace Latino NC
