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 PALM DESERT - Walter is from Duroville in Thermal and is our featured pet this morning up for adoption from the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

Rescue efforts are underway to capture hundreds of dogs abandoned in Thermal's Duroville community. The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) in formal partnership with Tom Flynn, federal-appointed receiver of Thermal Park (AKA Duroville), has taken the lead in assuming control of the rescue efforts for the dogs residing in and around the park. Duroville was declared by the courts as unfit for human habitation and the families are in the process of being relocated to a newly constructed park nearby. Relocated residents can only take two pets with them and they must weigh less than 25 pounds. As people and pets are moved out of Duroville, the trailers are being demolished. The entire site is expected to be torn down by May.

RCDAS is starting the massive undertaking to relocate potentially hundreds of dogs in three months. The need for shelter is so great that the County is opening its never-used San Jacinto facility to house many of the dogs. Rescued dogs will spend 72 hours at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms beginning the day after they are taken into custody. During the 72-hour period these dogs will be evaluated and rehomed. Some of the animals recovered will be available for adoption as early as Tuesday, January 29th.

The Department's current need is for monetary donations and blankets. Along with families to adopt and for rescue groups to help us find loving homes for these pets.

For monetary donations, please use the donate button on the left. Indicate in the notes section that you would like your donation to go towards the Duroville Dogs.

For donations of blankets, please bring them to our Coachella Valley Animal Campus during normal business hours at:

72-120 Pet Land Place
Thousand Palms, CA 92276
760-343-3644