Over the past month or so, many concerns have been raised both on social media and to local authorities regarding a man residing in a camper pulling a trailer housing 12 huskies. Many people have questioned the welfare of the dogs and the safety of their living conditions, whether they’re cared for, get exercise, and most recently how they are faring in this heatwave.
First and foremost: we understand the concern. Extreme heat is dangerous, and we appreciate the members of our community who spoke up because they care about animals.
When concerns were brought forward within the past week, our Executive Director worked directly with the owner to build trust and find a way to help the dogs. Through that conversation, the owner agreed to bring the dogs to YVAS for boarding during the heatwave so they could stay safe and comfortable while temperatures reached dangerous levels.
We want to clarify an important part of our role in situations like this: YVAS does not have the legal authority to decide where owned animals live or to remove animals from their homes simply because we may believe their circumstances could be improved.
As a non-profit animal shelter, we must operate within the laws and processes that govern animal welfare. Removal of owned animals requires legal authority and specific criteria to be met. By law, animals must be fed, watered, and provided shelter — all of which these dogs are according to BPD and Animal Control’s assessment. YVAS as an outside organization does not have the authority to make those official judgements. We cannot just take someone’s pets away based on public/personal opinion or because their living situation does not look the way we would choose for them.
What we can do—and what we did—is everything within our legal ability to help.
We can listen.
We can build relationships.
We can offer resources.
We can work with owners to create safer outcomes for their pets.
We can build relationships.
We can offer resources.
We can work with owners to create safer outcomes for their pets.
These dogs are loved by their owner. They are in good physical condition, and through his daily visits to see them it is clear they share a strong bond. The dogs have now all been revaccinated, given ID tags, groomed to remove their winter coats and make them more comfortable, and two have been spayed and neutered. While this situation may not be what is considered ideal, our goal is not to criticize people—it is to help animals and the people who care for them the best we can.
Cases like this are challenging because the solution is rarely simple. They require compassion, patience, and the ability to work within the authority we have.
We want to give a shoutout to our amazing foster families as well as our staff who jumped to work shuffling around and placing the animals already in our care in order to quickly respond to this situation. This situation has not been easy for anyone involved, but it is worth it.
We are grateful to everyone who cares about these dogs and wants what is best for them. The community’s support allows us to continue saying “yes” when situations are difficult. If you believe in this kind of work, please consider donating. It is because of our community’s support that we can continue showing up for animals in complicated situations. ❤️🐾 https://yvas.org/donate-support/
