Hurricane Helene devastated the southern United States, killing more than 200 people, swallowing towns and displacing thousands of people. And in the wake of all the destruction, pets have also been left without homes.
Since the storm, MSPCA-Angell has been working to bring these animals to Massachusetts to find homes for them up north.
So far, they have received 15 dogs from the Humane Education Society and McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem on October 1, and 19 dogs the organization took in from its Tennessee shelters the weekend before.
Many of the dogs are puppies four months and younger, but some older dogs have also made the journey. Breeds include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles and Pit Bulls.
There are more on the way.
“Our partners there (in Tennessee) are dealing with a lot of flooding and they are expecting an influx of surrendered and displaced animals as a result of the hurricane,” said Mike Keiley, MSPCA-Angell vice president of animal services. a written statement. “These transports of dogs who were living in shelters prior to the storm will allow these groups to help more local animals affected.”
Another transport of cats is arriving from Pasco County Animal Services in Florida, and plans are in the works to transport as many as 80 dogs and cats this week from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville, North Carolina, in another partnership with the ASPCA. according to the agency.
When are the animals available for adoption?
The goal is to adopt the relocated animals. Animals must be quarantined for 48 hours and receive medical care before they can be adopted.
“To be successful, we need community support,” Keiley said in a news release. “If you have room in your home and in your heart, we would love for you to come adopt or foster some of the animals in our care.”
How can the public help?
The public can help the group by making a donation on the MSPCA-Angell website.
The MSPCA-Angell will post updates on its social media platforms on all ongoing transports, as well as how the new arrivals are getting settled.
This article originally appeared on Wicklocal.com: Hurricane Helene has displaced hundreds of pets. Some come to MA for adoption
