On March 28, 2016 a Pug Rescue of San Diego Co. rescue pug named Otis escaped from his foster home on Baltimore Drive in La, Mesa, CA. Otis is a special needs, senior disabled pug. He was immediately picked up by La Mesa Animal Control and taken to El Cajon Animal Shelter, where he was given (unnecessary) vaccinations. When the foster went to pick up Otis from the shelter, he was told he would have to pay 226.00, which he could not afford. PRSDC's Director of Medical and Adoptions attempted to intervene and get the fee reduced. Pug Rescue of San Diego County is a verified 501c3. PRSDC is also a recognized and well established local rescue. El Cajon shelter said that the City of La Mesa sets the fees. The City of La Mesa said El Cajon sets the fees. PRSDC was unable to get the fees reduced or refunded. As a non-profit, volunteer based rescue, PRSDC works very hard for every dime raised. All monies donated to the rescue are used for medical care, food and general care for needy and homeless pugs in the area. The 226.00 that PRSDC was forced to pay is completely out of line and created a major hardship. The adoption fee at El Cajon shelter is only 80.00. An employee informed us that the huge fee was to serve as deterrent for repeat offenders. This was an isolated incident, the pug was neutered and microchipped, well cared for and under medical care.. This fee policy clearly discriminates against the poor, making it nearly impossible for the average person to retrieve an escaped family pet - thereby forcing the family to relinquish the pet. This fee policy makes it a hardship for local rescues as well. I am requesting that the 226.00 fee be immediately returned to Pug Rescue Of San Diego, Co. I am also requesting that this feel policy be reevaluated so that the average person can retrieve their pet. Local 501c3 rescues should never have to pay a fee to retrieve or pull a dog. If a fee must be charged, 25.00 should be sufficient. Again, I am respectfully requesting that the 229.00 fee that PRSDC was forced to pay, immediately be refunded.
