SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Animal Services is reviewing its partnership with a local rescue group, that’s accused online of "flipping" dogs, 9 Investigates uncovered.
Those online accusations were forwarded to animal services this month, which showed two "found" dogs posted on pages intended to find their owners, while simultaneously being posted on the rescue group’s page as available for adoption.
Investigative reporter Karla Ray looked into the requirements rescue groups have to follow before adopting out lost animals, and questioned the rescue group owner on what she said was an honest mistake.
Orange County Code Enforcement requires anyone who finds an animal to report it to animal services within two days, or make an effort to find the owner for 30 days before presuming ownership. The rules are the same for rescue groups.
VIP Rescue of Central Florida owner Pam Pearson told 9 Investigates that she wasn’t aware of the 30 day rule and said it has never been enforced. She admitted the adoption post for at least one of the dogs should have never been made, because the animal isn’t well enough to be re-homed yet.
“Procedures were not followed 100 percent, but the facts are, this dog may have died had it not been found,” Pearson said.
9 Investigates uncovered this isn’t the first time Pearson’s adoption practices have been questioned. An Altamonte Springs police officer was called to a PetSmart in September of 2015, after a dog owner spotted her lost pet up for adoption.
Records from that incident showed "the rescue company refused to give the K9 back" even though the owner had "paperwork to prove" it was hers.
The rescue worker, who initially refused to give her name, then claimed to be "Cynthia Quintan." However, the Altamonte Springs Police Department identified the woman this week to 9 Investigates as Pam Pearson, after reviewing a photo of her taken from our interview.
“It's not our responsibility to put flyers up. That's the responsibility of the owner who lost their animal,” Pearson said.
Altamonte Springs police told 9 Investigates that the case was a civil matter, and the dog was eventually returned to its rightful owner. Pearson wasn’t charged with any crime.
Animal Services said in a statement:
“Orange County Animals Services (OCAS) is a strong proponent of helping lost pets find their way back home. Charged with caring for more than 10,000 stray animals each year, among our greatest rewards is reunifying a lost pet with their loving family.
In the event that a good Samaritan encounters a lost animal and wants to help, we recommend planning to care for that animal, or make arrangements with a shelter, for a 30-day period. This time frame ensures that diligent efforts can be made to locate a family, prior to assuming ownership.
OCAS works in partnership with more than 100 animal rescue organizations, and while each organization is unique, it is the expectation that these rescue organizations share the common goal of helping lost animals find their way home. When that is not the outcome, the goal transitions to finding a new loving family.
When exploring adoption, it is important not just to consider the type of animal that would be the best fit with your family, but to research and select a reputable rescue organization that matches your beliefs and values.
This past week Orange County Animal Services received a concern pertaining to the adoption efforts of one of our registered partners. We take such concerns very seriously and are reviewing the complaint at this time. Violation of the shared mission and values of Orange County Animal Services will result in a separation of partnership.”
Cox Media Group
