Police today rescued hungry pets all but abandoned by an absentee property owner of a house he vacated on Catterline Way in Folsom.

They cited and released owner Mhdhomam Uyoun, 36, of Elk Grove on suspicion of failure to provide adequate food, water and sanititation to domestic animals. Uyoun responeded to a police telephone request he report to a in the 300 block of Catterline, said Sgt. Eric Heichlinger of Folsom Police Department.

"A neighbor had seen moving vans, and assumed he had moved, but then heard dogs barking, became concerned and called us," Heichlinger said.

No food or water had been left anytime recenlty for a Great Dane and a German shepherd found in the property's yard. In the house, two birds were found without water to wash themselves. Ouyon told police he had visited periodically with food and water for the animals.

"Sacramento County Animal Control arrived, and he waived his right to the amnimals, so when they are healthy, they will be up for adoption," Heichlinger said.

-- by Roger Phelps/The Telegraph