67 Animals Rescued from Puerto Rico
As the people of Puerto Rico continue to recover and rebuild after the recent series of hurricanes tore through the region causing catastrophic damage, North Shore Animal League America continues to do all we can to lend a helping hand.
Our Emergency Rescue Team is in Florida now, equipped with our Rachael Ray Mobile Rescue Unit, to assist in the transport of 67 homeless animals, who arrived from devastated areas of Puerto Rico, to the safety of our Port Washington, N.Y. Adoption Center and other safe havens. Through a partnership with Pet Haven Rescue and Rescue Life Sanctuary, both located in the Palm Beach area, these animals were transported from Puerto Rico to Florida’s Treasure Coast International Airport. All of these precious rescues will soon have the chance to find responsible, loving homes and families who adore them.
Of the 32 dogs, 24 puppies, and 11 cats rescued, 50 of them will be returning to Animal League America where they will receive the type of compassionate medical care and nurturing embrace with which our organization has become synonymous.
“Even before the first hurricane hit, we were in contact with several of our shelter partners in Puerto Rico, making sure to keep the lines of communication open and let them know we were here for them in whatever way they needed,” said Cindy Szczudlo, Animal League America Director of Rescue Services. “Friends of Culebria Animals, Alianza Pro Rescate Animales, Love Puerto Rico Golden Retriever Rescue, and Island Dog, are all shelters down there who have been trying to recover and rebuild while still tending to all of the animals in their care. Once we were able to regain contact with them and assess their needs, we partnered up with a few of our rescue groups in Florida, who were already doing some amazing work there. It’s through that collaborative effort that we were able to coordinate this lifesaving rescue.”
Our Emergency Rescue Team has been working around the clock over the last two months to help all of the areas that have been so adversely affected by these storms. We will continue to be on call and assist our shelter and rescue partners in every facet of the recovery process. It’s only through your generous support that we are able to make a significant positive impact on the lives of the people and animals who need it most.
“We couldn’t thank our donors enough for all the support they have shown throughout these trying times. We continue to witness people coming together and reaching into their pockets to support our many relief efforts. It’s been a blessing on so many levels,” said Cindy, who was part of the rescue team in Florida to greet the most recent group of rescue pets. “The 67 animals on this transport, the hundreds of others we’ve helped to rescue over the past several months, and the many more we will help in the future, all have our supporters to thank.”