LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Board of Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis visited the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center today to highlight Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a proclamation she led to promote pet adoptions throughout October at all seven of the County’s animal care centers.

The initiative comes as shelters across Los Angeles County feel the growing impact of recent immigration enforcement actions.

Since widespread immigration sweeps began in June, 56 animals have been surrendered to County animal care centers due to their owners or family members being detained or deported. At least 30 of those animals were taken in by the Baldwin Park center alone, according to the County’s Department of Animal Care and Control. Baldwin Park has reported the highest number of surrenders linked to immigration enforcement. These often occur in clusters, as multiple people may be taken in a single raid.

“We’re seeing more and more pets turned in as our communities continue to navigate wildfire recovery and ongoing immigration sweeps,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “That’s why Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is a real opportunity to help a dog in need while also providing some relief to our shelters as they prepare to accommodate even more displaced animals. This campaign is more than a proclamation. It’s a commitment to meet the needs of our communities, and that includes the animals in our care.”

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 across Los Angeles County. The proclamation also marks the launch of the Department of Animal Care and Control’s “Read to Rover” adoption campaign, which waives adoption fees for anyone who spends time reading to a shelter dog.

In addition, all Los Angeles County Library branches will feature Adopt a Shelter Dog displays with books on pet care, breed information and animal behavior.