Missing a pet? Check the Maui Humane Society

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PUUNENE - A heeler, westie and a terrier were just some of the 20 to 30 dogs brought into the Maui Humane Society over the New Year's holiday as fireworks likely caused the dogs to bolt out of their homes and yards to get away from the noisy festivities.

Maui Humane Society officials are asking owners who are missing pets to call or visit them. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with animal visitation hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Thursdays, office and animal visitation is from noon to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

On Sunday, 15 to 18 stray dogs remained at the shelter, said Dale Netz, director of customer service at the shelter.

The dogs were brought from as far away as Hana and Lahaina.

Netz said every New Year's the shelter sees a boost of stray dogs brought into the shelter. This year it's no different.

"We always recommend people to restrain their animals, especially on New Year's Eve day and the following day as well, as the fireworks are still going off," she said.

Netz said dogs can hear fireworks from afar.

"They tend to run when they are scared."

Dogs who have never escaped from their yards before may jump over fences and or break through the fences to get away from fireworks.

Netz said the shelter often sees a lot of strays when there is also a large cane fire or brush fire.

She said the dogs are sensitive to noise and the smell.

Out of the 20 to 30 dogs brought into the shelter, Netz said "very few" had microchips or identifiable tattoos that can be used to find their homes.

Netz said dog owners can call the shelter or their veterinarian for information on microchips or tattoos.

But on the other hand, Netz said dogs should be licensed, therefore they should have an identifiable tag.

Although getting a microchip or a tattoo for one's dog maybe even more beneficial as it is permanent and can't be lost as a tag can be.

Netz said the shelter also received 15 to 20 stray cats during the New Year's holiday.

But she said it is more difficult to pinpoint why the cats have run away, as they are not leashed and could have just been cruising around the neighborhood instead of being driven from their homes by fireworks.

For information and/or to check on a pet, call 877-3680, ext. 23.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.