As rescue workers continue to pull human survivors from the floodwaters left by Hurricane Helene, some are turning their attention to other needy survivors — stranded pets and farm animals in the storm-ravaged South.
Others showed horses being pulled from chest-deep water in devastated rural communities – including a video of Good Samaritans freeing several horses from a flooded farm whose owners told Newsweek They were left dangerously behind as workers were unable to reach them in the storm.
And in Catawba, South Carolina, 11 horses were rescued in an operation during heavy flooding Friday night. According to WBTV,
The storm – which has killed at least 189 people across six states – has not only left millions without power, but entire communities without a reliable source of potable water.
Those shortages mean that many rescued animals have not yet come out of the wild because local shelters where they would otherwise go can’t care for them – not to mention the countless other animals already in their care. Can.
In response, animal shelters outside the damage area have stepped up to help – animal rescue groups from across the country have not only sent resources, but accepted the transportation of animals to help find foster care in new cities.
The Asheville Humane Society – which is located in the densely populated area of Helen, where many are missing – has evacuated at least 100 animals since the storm winds passed, primarily due to the loss of safe drinking water.
“Potable and clean water is an essential resource for keeping animals happy and hydrated, but it is also essential for cleaning kennels and ensuring that hands are clean in preparation for medical procedures,” Asheville Humane. Colleen Daly, content coordinator for the Society told Citizen Times,
“And given those circumstances, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to take care of the number of animals in our care,” she said.
“This is going to be – I mean, it is – an unprecedented challenge to the care of our animals.”
Rescue operations as far away as Rhode Island and Massachusetts – and even Wisconsin – have begun taking in animals left over from Helen’s destruction.
A load of 14 dogs from South Carolina’s hurricane-damaged Aiken County Animal Shelter is scheduled to arrive at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Rhode Island, Thursday morning. According to the Providence Journal,
In Massachusetts, the MSPCA-Engel has already received dozens of animals from storm-affected shelters in the South, WCVB reported,
And halfway across the country in Waukesha, Wisconsin, more than 100 animals landed at the local airport Tuesday morning and were greeted by the Humane Animal Welfare Society.
“We’re helping to free up shelters so the animals who have loving families there can come home,” said Maggie Tate-Tectman, executive director of the society. told TMJ4,
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