Large number of stray dogs causes concern for south Monterey County residents

SAN LUCAS, Calif. (KION) In San Lucas, California the phrase “Man’s Best Friend” could not be more true. 

Although some dogs have a place to call home, many spend their lives alone, outside. 

“They've been mostly skinny. They walk around town. They sometimes cause problems,” said San Lucas resident, Rafael Sandoval. 

The dozens of stray dogs that wander the streets have been recognized, and feared, by residents for decades. “There used to be a big dog here. People tried to get it and take it to the dog pound. They couldn't because it kept killing little puppies,” said Sandoval.

Sandoval said he and his family have made countless hours-long trips to deliver dogs to the Monterey County SPCA in Salinas.

The problem has recently gained new attention. Volunteers with an animal service non-profit, known as “SNIP,” are determined to bring the issue to light. 

"I was down there and just felt sick to my stomach. I had to take a shower just to wash that feeling off,” said SNIP volunteer, Sandra Cortez.

Cortez volunteers her time in San Lucas to offer spay and neuter services to animals on the streets and in homes. 

“Neglected. Severely neglected. It’s nothing like I've ever seen. It is heartbreaking,” said Cortez.

Cortez said SNIP does not have access to the resources the community in San Lucas desperately needs. “We don't have the funding to go out and do as many clinics as we would like to, as we would need to, in order to make an impact,” said Cortez.

Volunteers with SNIP plan to present this issue to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, January 7th at 10:30 a.m.