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After Hemet Garage Fire, 65 Dogs Rescued as Community Adopts Most Within Hours

The owner’s surrender allowed the overcapacity San Jacinto Valley shelter to begin adoptions immediately.

Overview

  • Riverside County Animal Services reported rescuing 65 dogs from the property, with seven found deceased at the scene.
  • The dogs were transported to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus for care, and by early afternoon most had been adopted, leaving nine still awaiting homes.
  • Staff began medical evaluations and processing for placement, noting many animals were frightened after the fire but otherwise stable.
  • Homeowner Debra Erdmann said she discovered the garage blaze and firefighters contained it to the laundry area, preventing broader damage.
  • Adoptions are fee-waived through March at the county shelter, with animals leaving spayed or neutered and microchipped.