CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY RESCUES ANIMALS FROM TORNADO-STRUCK KENTUCKY
The Disaster Response Team assisted in large-scale efforts of the ASPCA and the Kentucky Humane Society.
Charleston Animal Society’s Disaster Response Team deployed Monday morning to Greenville, Kentucky to evacuate 19 dogs from the Muhlenberg County Animal Shelter. Muhlenberg County was in the path of the devastating tornadoes that claimed the lives of 96 people last weekend, including 77 people in Kentucky.
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is leading the tornado response for animals at the request of the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS). The ASPCA effort is assisting with the evacuation of homeless cats and dogs from Kentucky-based shelters to free up space and resources to care for displaced pets in impacted communities. The goal in these response efforts is to always keep animals displaced by a disaster close to home so they can be reunited with families looking for them.
“By helping to clear the shelter in Muhlenberg County and bringing those dogs to Charleston for adoption, we can open space for dogs, cats and other animals displaced by these tornadoes,” said Charleston Animal Society Vice President of Operations and Strategy Aldwin Roman, CAWA.
Through grants, the ASPCA has helped fund the ongoing development of Charleston Animal Society’s Disaster Response Team. This year alone, the team has logged more than 20,000 miles, rescuing more than 270 animals from hurricanes, cruelty cases and more.
“We could not reach out and help like we do, without the support of partners like the ASPCA,” said Roman. “If others want to support disaster response efforts like this one, they can go to our website and give at CharlestonAnimalSociety.
Charleston Animal Society’s Disaster Response Team includes volunteers. The team going to Kentucky is scheduled to leave Monday and return on Tuesday.
“The ASPCA’s priority is to provide local agencies—including the Kentucky Humane Society—with the critical support and resources they need to help animals and pet owners during this difficult time,” said Susan Anderson, Director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA National Field Response team. “We are grateful to Charleston Animal Society for opening their doors to these animals in need so local animal welfare organizations in Kentucky can focus on supporting displaced pets.”
