Riverside County Animal Services conducted a sweep and education operation in the eastern Coachella Valley

Riverside County Animal Services conducted a sweep and education operation on Tuesday (Oct. 29) in the eastern Coachella Valley that resulted in almost 40 impounded dogs.

Sweep operations are historically performed in this region during a time of year when the temperatures are lower. Officers set up a staging area at approximately 5 a.m. to get an early start and to avoid the potential of heat-related injuries to stray dogs. 

Twenty-one officers and shelter support staff engaged in the sweep in the communities of Mecca, North Shore, Oasis and Thermal. 

These areas of Riverside County require a large team of officers because the communities border on wide-open desert areas, giving loose dogs plenty of escape routes. Officers go out in teams to support each other and conduct safe impounds.

This year’s sweep wasn’t just about rounding up stray, at-large dogs, though. Team members also visited houses door to door and provided education about the importance of keeping the family dog inside its own property. Information about resources was also provided. And some officers conducted pet reunions in the field after an owner’s dog ended up on the truck. 

Of the 38 dogs impounded, many were small breeds and puppies. Those pets were transported to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms.

The number of dogs impounded could have doubled if not for the educational efforts, said Animal Services Lt. Luis Rosa.

“We issued some warnings and provided education about how we can help, such as mending fences to prevent yard escapes,” Rosa said. “This is something my colleagues enjoy doing because it shows we’re not just enforcing animal control laws, but providing assistance, too.”

Approximately 40 properties were visited by team members. 

Animal Services Commander Josh Sisler joined the officers and observed the efforts.

“These sweeps are about making sure we’re protecting our communities, especially the younger residents as they prepare for Halloween fun,” Sisler said. “That’s why the education side of the sweep was key. We’re warning what can happen if someone’s pet is loose and attacks a child. Nobody wants to see that.” 

Interim Animal Services Director Kim Youngberg praised the efforts and said that many residents in these communities reach out to Animal Services requesting help when the stray dog population appears to increase. 

“We have been conducting sweeps for many years, but we also need to continue to be a great partner to pet owners in these communities,” Youngberg said. “In fact, we regularly schedule wellness clinics and dispatch our mobile spay and neuter bus to these communities.”