The day after the Fourth of July is one of the busiest days of the year for Kern County Animal Services.
Pets that got spooked from the fireworks and ran away are now loose on the streets or picked up by community members.
"We have found dogs with ropes tied around their neck still like they were able to break the rope free," said Animal Control Officer Brooks.
Brooks spent the day picking up contained animals from people who found them. One woman found an older Pitbull and a smaller Yorkie and called Animal Services.
When Officer Brooks arrived to pick up the dogs, she checked them for microchips. If they were chipped and in their system Brooks contacted the owner.
"It makes it quicker for us if the owner information is current and helps us get to the dogs quicker," Officer Brooks said.
Director of Kern County Animal Services Nick Cullen says microchips and awareness helped lower the number of pick ups this year.
"There has been a lot of attention paid to making sure animals are safe during the Fourth of July, so that has improved some of the responses," Cullen said.
For dogs that are strays, do not have microchips or are injured, Brooks brings them back to the Kern County Animal Services shelter.
If no owner comes to pick them up within five days, they are put up for adoption or rescue.
Kern County Animal Services says that if you find a loose dog, you should contact your local Animal Services.
If the animal seems friendly and has tags, try and contact the owner yourself.
