Pets abandoned in foreclosed homes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Foreclosure isn't just an economic problem facing people -- it affects pets, too.

Many animals are abandoned by their owners and left to die in foreclosed homes.

Drew Campanelli often finds the pets left behind -- or at least, their bodies. He works for Great Lakes Property Services, a company that manages foreclosed properties and gets them ready for resale.

These animals often are abandoned and discarded by owners who have fallen on hard times. Campanelli, an animal lover and pet owner himself, can't stand to see the foreclosure pet horrors he comes across on a weekly basis.

"We were at a home last week where there were 10 cats that were left for dead," he told 24 Hour News 8 on Tuesday.

If Campanelli finds abandoned animals alive, he calls the humane society. But his company is responsible for disposing of the many dead pets.

"The poor animals are freezing," he said. "They're dying of hunger (and) starvation."

The Kent County Animal Shelter doesn't keep statistics on abandoned pets in foreclosed homes, but a representative acknowledged it's an increasing problem.

"We definitely know the economy has affected the rate of pet surrenders and abandonments," said Bridie Bereza, of the Kent County Health Department.

The shelter has seen a 9 percent increase in surrendered or abandoned dogs in the past year and a 20 percent increase in cats.

For people who can't afford to care for their pets, officials encourage calling a friend, relative, shelter, or the humane society. But don't leave your animals to die in a foreclosed home, they said.

"Owners need to make every reasonable effort to put that pet with somebody, rather than just leave it there," Bereza said.

Campanelli urges neighbors of foreclosed properties to watch and listen for abandoned animals, as it could save a life.

"It's just one phone call (and) the shelter will come out to get them -- no questions asked," Campanelli said.

The Kent County Animal Shelter charges a $10 dollar fee for pet surrenders but doesn't charge people who are turning in stray pets.

Pets brought to the animal shelter at least have a chance. But many never make it.

After 24 Hour News 8 finished its shoot, Campanelli said he went to check on another property and found yet another abandoned dog. It had frozen to death.