A number of local animal shelters opened their doors to accommodate cats and dogs that have been affected by Hurricane Ida. The rescued animals were brought to emergency shelters in Tennessee, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Texas, where they were provided with basic care as well as behavioral and medical assistance.
As reported by WHNT News 19, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) coordinated with their partner organizations to carry out more than 150 animal rescue operations in the wake of the storms. To ensure that the needs of the affected animals and their owners are met, the animal welfare groups and charities that are overseeing the operation of the emergency shelters worked in shifts.
Hurricane Ida was a category 4 storm that affected the Gulf Coast and East Coast of the United States. It is the 6th costliest hurricane on record, and the damages it has caused are estimated to exceed USD 50 billion. The hurricane sustained winds of up to 150 mph and caused record-breaking floods in many areas.
Extending a Helping Hand to Animal Shelters in Times of Calamity
It takes a lot of coordinated effort to keep animal shelters operational even in the face of a catastrophic weather event. In particular, shelters that were located right in the path of Hurricane Ida were without electricity and running water. This prompted the shelter officials and humane organizations to arrange for the transfer of the affected animals to emergency shelters that have enough room and access to essential utilities.
In times of calamity, businesses and individuals can offer assistance to animal shelters by donating and collecting supplies that the affected animals can use. These donations can include essentials like dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, flea and tick medication, and pet merchandise such as custom dog collars and leashes. People who have space in their homes can also offer to foster dogs and cats that have been affected by the disaster.
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