This abandoned rottweiler was rescued by Wendy Frosland, animal control officer for Mackinac County. After she retrieved it from an area near the I-75/M-123 intersection, the dog was brought to the county animal shelter, where it is pictured with Mrs. Frosland Friday, May 30. The dog is one of many animals abandoned recently in northern Michigan, she said. (Photograph courtesy of the Mackinac County Animal Shelter) After several unsuccessful searches, Mackinac County Animal Control Officer Wendy Frosland finally coaxed a hungry female rottweiler from hiding near I-75 Sunday, May 26. It was pouring rain when the abandoned dog finally accepted food and allowed Mrs. Frosland to take her. One of many animals left behind in northern Michigan recently, the traumatized dog had roamed the area near the M-123 exit for days.

Now named Hannah, the dog resides at the Mackinac County Animal Shelter.

Animal control officers throughout the state agree that Michigan's struggling economy has led to a sharp increase in animal abandonment this year, Mrs. Frosland said.

"If this keeps up, winter will be serious. Animals that are used to being fed freeze or starve."

Mrs. Frosland has handled 12 abandonment cases since January, a 50% increase over last year.

"People can't afford to take care of [pets] right now. They just dump them off and hope we can," she said.

Mrs. Frosland discussed the problem with her peers at the spring conference of the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers. This year, all officers reported a significant increase in the number of animals dumped in their areas, Mrs. Frosland said.

She urges anyone considering getting rid of pets to relinquish them in a responsible way. There are several legal ways to do so, she said, including advertising to find a new owner for an unwanted pet. Dumping pets is illegal, and Mrs. Frosland intends to pursue abandonment cases rigorously.

Depending on the condition of the animals, persons convicted of abandoning pets face charges that range from misdemeanors to felonies.

For abandoning one animal, the penalty is up to 93 days in jail and up a fine of up to $1,000 or 200 hours of community service. Felony charges include situations when a veterinarian proves that animals have been abused or starved, Mrs. Frosland said.

When more than 10 animals are involved, the penalty can reach four years in prison without parole, plus a $5,000 fine or 500 hours of community service," said Mackinac County Prosecutor Fred Feleppa. This is a new law, he added. Prosecutions on this level are rare, and there have been none in Mackinac County.

The Mackinac County Animal Aid Association is considering developing a reward system for reporting people who abandon animals, said Jo Ford of the association.

It is clear when pets are abandoned, compared to animals that run away or get lost, said Ginger Valentine, director of the Mackinac County animal shelter on Cheeseman Road in St. Ignace.

Abandoned animals stay in the area where they are left, often pacing continuously, and wait for their owners to return.

Lost pets try to return home, Mrs. Frosland said.

Most abandonment cases this year have involved dogs left along highways.

She encourages people planning to relinquish their pets to try to find homes for them first.

"I want people to be responsible for their pets. They are not disposable. Take a picture. Put posters up around town, or out of town. It takes a little effort, but it works," she said, suggesting efforts to find a new home for a pet.

For those who come to the shelter with pets they will no longer care for, Mrs. Valentine places courtesy advertisements online at petfinder. com. She has convinced several pet owners planning to euthanize animals themselves to wait. She found homes for the pets via the Internet.

If space is available, the shelter takes in animals that pet owners plan to abandon.

It costs $50 to relinquish dog and $40 for a cat. The owners must sign them over, after being informed that the animals may be euthanized.

Mrs. Valentine finds homes for most animals.

Dumping animals along roadsides is not the only way pets are being abandoned in the area.

Some people have moved away, leaving pets behind at their former home. This form of abandonment is also punishable by law.