North Valley pet rescue says calls of animal abuse are increasing

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- Volunteers with New Beginnings in Merced County say they are seeing an influx of animal neglect and abuse and it is only getting worse.

"We just got a dog in that the vet believes was given marijuana and she's getting treatment at the vet right now," said Emily Ewing, New Beginnings volunteer.

Ewing says New Beginnings is often called in to help the Merced County animal services department with extra medical needs. Last year, the organization provided medical care to more than 280 animals.

They are one of the few pet rescues in the area with the Merced SPCA recently closing--Ewing says their hands are full.

"Definitely because there are less resources for the animals, we probably have to take on more cases," said Ewing.

Recently, another organization in Merced-- Last Hope Cat Kingdom posted this update on their Facebook before taking it down. It stated that someone quote dumped a cat in a quote" sealed plastic tub" with no holes. It goes on to say that the cat died as a result.

"We've seen the post on Facebook. It's an unfortunate situation," said Deputy Daryl Allen. "We don't want to see anything like that happen to animals."

Animal control is seeing their average number of cases, but deputies say they are keeping a close eye on animal abuse in the county.

Ewing says they will continue to help as many as their budget allows.

"You would think our hearts would get hard over all this, but every single time we hear something... it just breaks our hearts again, " said Ewing.