In a heartwarming effort to save animals affected by recent hurricanes, Best Friends Animal Society has successfully transported 10 dogs and 20 cats from southern states to their New York City center. These animals, rescued from shelters overwhelmed by Hurricane Helene and the impending Hurricane Milton, are now on their way to finding loving homes.
Key Takeaways
- Best Friends Animal Society delivered 30 animals to NYC from hurricane-impacted areas.
- The organization is providing medical care and shelter for the rescued pets.
- The goal is to find permanent homes for these animals while raising awareness about animal welfare.
The Rescue Operation
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the threat of Hurricane Milton, Best Friends Animal Society mobilized its resources to rescue animals in need. The organization transported the rescued pets to their NYC center on October 10, where they will receive necessary medical treatment and care.
The shelters in Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia faced severe challenges, including power outages and lack of supplies, putting the lives of many animals at risk. Best Friends Animal Society has been actively working to alleviate these conditions by:
- Transporting Animals: Moving pets from overwhelmed shelters to safer locations.
- Providing Supplies: Delivering generators, food, and water to shelters still operating.
- Setting Up Resource Hubs: Establishing Pet Resource Hubs in western North Carolina to assist displaced animals.
Medical Care and Adoption Process
Once the animals arrive at the Best Friends Animal Society center, they undergo a thorough screening process. This includes:
- Medical Assessments: Checking for any health issues.
- Behavioral Evaluations: Ensuring the animals are ready for adoption.
- Microchipping: Providing identification for future tracking.
Darryl Moore, senior manager of lifesaving programs, emphasized the importance of this process: "Our hard-working staff and volunteers are going to assess these animals, make sure they are properly cared for and make sure they get all the medical attention they need."
Once the animals receive a clean bill of health, they will be put up for adoption, continuing the organization’s mission to find them loving homes.
The Bigger Picture
Best Friends Animal Society, founded in 1984, aims to end the killing of cats and dogs in shelters across the United States. In 2023, approximately 4.76 million cats and dogs entered the shelter system, with only 3.97 million being saved. Tragically, 415,000 animals were killed in shelters that year.
The organization is committed to achieving a no-kill nation by 2025, working tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of shelter animals and the importance of adoption.
Conclusion
The recent rescue operation by Best Friends Animal Society highlights the urgent need for animal welfare initiatives, especially in the wake of natural disasters. By providing a safe haven for these animals and facilitating their adoption, the organization is making significant strides toward a future where no animal is left behind in shelters.
For those interested in adopting or supporting the cause, Best Friends Animal Society encourages community involvement to help save more lives.
Sources
- Nonprofit delivers cats and dogs rescued from hurricane-ravaged states to NYC shelter – NYN Media, NYN Media.
