Hurricane Dorian: 200 dogs and cats evacuated from Beaufort County

Two animal welfare organisations joined forces at the weekend to remove 200 stray animals from homeless shelters across the county. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Wings of Rescue made a joint bid to save the animals as Dorian approached.

Wings of Rescue is a charity specifically designed to effect such large-scale operations. It regularly takes charge of stray animals that are at risk of being killed due to harsh weather or natural disasters.

The ASPCA and Wings of Rescue were joined also by Beaufort County Animal Services. Animals from various shelters were loaded into crates at Hilton Head International airport in Georgia and flown to North Eastern states.

Early stops were made at various SPCA shelters where scores of dogs and cats were delivered. According to Island Packet, the following other shelters are accepting stray evacuees from the region:

• Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine
• ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City
• Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
• Felines and Canines in Chicago
• Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston, Maine
• Second Chance Animal Shelter in East Brookfield, Massachusetts
• Toldeo Area Humane Society in Toledo, Ohio

Second chance

Thanks to the efforts of those involved, this large group of strays will not only be safe from the impending hurricane but will also get a second chance to find their forever home.

Writes Island Packet, a spokeswoman for the ASPCA said, “By relocating animals from areas threatened by emergency situations such as this, not only are those homeless animals brought to safety, but much-needed space and resources are made available for displaced pets in impacted communities.”

Beaufort County Animal Services reminds pet owners that shelters are not able to take owned pets due to their already being full with strays.

Watch a video of the evacuation here: