Shelter Seeks Help After Intake of 26 Dogs And 1 Bunny

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — In just one day, 26 dogs were turned over to the city-run shelter, in Antioch, many described as disoriented and stressed after suddenly losing their homes. That was on top of other canines, felines, and even a bunny found wondering along a roadway.

Since the initial intake, more animals have arrived, including 11 puppies — seven of which are newborns delivered by a mother dog in the shelter parking lot. Staff also recovered a rabbit found hopping into a roadway median.

Antioch Animal Services staff said cases involving large numbers of animals are often complex and tied to personal hardships, but the immediate focus is ensuring the animals are safe and cared for while new homes can be arranged.

But the surge has pushed the Antioch kennel capacity to its limits, staff said, prompting a call for foster volunteers to work through rescue organizations. Fostering helps free shelter space and allows animals to decompress outside the noisy kennel environment.

Puppies and kittens eight weeks old or younger are immediately available for rescue transfer, according to the shelter.

Staff encouraged anyone connected with rescue groups—or who is interested in fostering—to contact the shelter.