Lost pets scared off by fireworks pack SoCal animal shelters

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- Local animal shelters get packed every year on Fourth of July, because unsecured pets runaway when scared by fireworks.

The day after July 4th is the Riverside County Animal Shelter's busiest day of the year - and not in a good way,

The shelter was crowded with lost pets as well as lost owners, all because of fireworks.

Sheila, who lives in Jurupa Valley, was first in line at the shelter to try to find her dog, Buddy.

"I went to a Fourth of July celebration, and when I came home, he wasn't, he wasn't there anymore," she explained.

The Moreno Valley Animal Shelter was waiving many of their fees, because so many pets are being turned in after running scared from the loud sounds of fireworks.

Watch Rob McMillan's report above from Eyewitness News at 4 p.m.