July 27, 2010
ASPCA Provides Critical Transport for Animals in Wake of Kentucky Floods
After violent storms ravaged the Northeastern part of Kentucky, displacing thousands of families—including hundreds of companion animals—the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team arrived at the Pike County Animal Shelter in Pikeville, KY, to provide emergency transport and placement for more than 100 animals.
"Pets have been displaced just as people have," says Brandon Roberts of the Pike County Judge Executive's Office. "The transfer has allowed the Pike County Animal Shelter to accept pets from families who were forced to evacuate their homes." The shelter will hold the displaced pets until their families can accommodate them—there will not be a charge for the emergency boarding.
Over a two-day period, the transfer animals were safely transported in the ASPCA's custom-built animal transport trailer to various ASPCA Shelter Response Partners across the country.
Organizations that quickly stepped forward to support the ASPCA's relief efforts include: Capital Area Humane Society in Columbus, OH; Humane Society of Berks County in Reading, PA; Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association in Ledgewood, NJ; Nashville Humane Association in Nashville, TN; and Elk County Humane Society in St. Mary's, PA.
"My hope is to get these animals into the great homes they deserve," says JoAnne Smith, Director and Humane Officer for the Elk County Humane Society. "We are proud to offer our full support to the ASPCA." Just last month, the ASPCA assisted Elk County Humane Society with the removal of nearly 400 cats from a local animal hoarder.
"Our team has the capability of responding to emergency situations across the country, and we will continue to provide supplies and support animals in Pike County as long as we're needed," says Kyle Held, the ASPCA's Midwest Director of Field Investigations and Response.
Stay tuned to ASPCA.org for more details on this developing story.