MIAMI — The increase in migrants’ deportations has resulted in more pets needing new homes in South Florida.
Samantha and Daymi Blain, of the Adopt & Save a Life Rescue Mission, said that is the case of Mr. Mario, a dog who was separated from his family.
“We have had a lot of families that have been deported, and it’s heartbreaking and it’s unfortunate, you know, that pets have to suffer,” Samantha Blain said, adding, “The phones don’t stop, we receive 6 to 10 calls a day, and it’s very overwhelming.”
Samantha Blain said the pets have lost their homes and families and don’t understand why.
“We already have over 30 cats, and of the 30 cats, about 15 of them are from deported families,” Daymi Blain said. “It’s not only taking in the animal, it’s everything that comes after ... The problem is that there is no solution to it. We can’t do anything, it’s out of our hands.”
The Blains have decided to fill their living room with playpens for dogs and need support. Betty Polk, of Saving Paws 4 Love, is going through the same increase in demand.
“I don’t know how to say, ‘No!’ It’s very hard,” Polk said. “I’m sorry, I’m very emotional. It’s a very, very bad situation right now ... It has been hard, it’s been hard right now to get them adopted because there are so many, so many, you know, it’s just impossible.”
Related coverage
- Trump administration deportations lead to rise in abandoned family pets
- Trump’s deportation plans result in 320,000 fewer immigrants and slower population growth, CBO says
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