A disturbing video circulating online has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger animal welfare enforcement in Kern County. The footage, captured early Monday morning, shows an individual abandoning an injured dog near a dumpster in East Bakersfield.
Officials with Kern County Animal Services (KCAS) are now appealing to the public for credible information that could help identify the person responsible and support a broader investigation.
A Growing Crisis
Though details remain limited, local sources close to animal advocacy groups say the dog seen in the video is now believed to be dead. The incident has further inflamed frustrations over what many advocates describe as an ongoing and worsening crisis of animal neglect and abandonment in the area.
Sandy Giurlani, a long-time animal rights advocate and volunteer, struggled to describe the emotional toll. “Oh my God. Where do I start?” she said when asked about the incident. As another supporter muttered, “You do not want to know,” Giurlani repeated the sentiment to an Eyewitness News photographer: “You do not want to know.”
Giurlani and other volunteers say they’ve repeatedly warned local leaders about deteriorating conditions on the streets. “We save one dog, the next day, there are like 10, 20, 30 dogs,” she said. “We see everything from puppies to senior dogs.”
Demands for Action
At a Board of Supervisors meeting last week, animal advocates spent over 30 minutes urging officials to step up efforts to control the stray population and prevent abuse. Their appeals included calls for more spay/neuter programs, increased funding for animal services, and stricter penalties for dumping and neglect.
Now, many advocates are turning their frustration toward Kern County Animal Services, accusing the agency of not doing enough to combat the crisis. According to sources, public demonstrations may soon be organized to pressure officials into more decisive action.
Ongoing Investigation
Kern County Animal Services has not released further details about the video or the investigation but reiterated their request for help. Officials are asking residents with verified information to come forward.
Eyewitness News has reached out to KCAS and multiple animal rights organizations for comment but has not yet received a response.
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