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(DALLAS, TX); August 27, 2021 – At the request of the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), the SPCA of Texas will receive nearly 30 homeless cats and kittens displaced by Hurricane Ida at approximately 4:30 p.m. today. The ASPCA collaborated with Galveston County Animal Services to transport the unowned cats out of harm’s way ahead of the storm making landfall. The cats will arrive at the SPCA of Texas this evening and will then be medically and behaviorally evaluated for adoption or placement on a case-by-case basis.
"We are proud to partner with ASPCA to welcome these cats and kittens into our care, where they will be safe from the incoming Hurricane Ida," said Courtney Burns, Interim Vice President of Animal Welfare for the SPCA of Texas, "Our organization will provide these animals with the care they need until we are able to find them happy homes in the coming days and weeks."
“Evacuating animals in the path of disasters is a lifesaving aspect of emergency response efforts because it gives homeless animals a second chance while freeing up resources for potentially displaced pets in impacted communities,” said Susan Anderson, Director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA National Field Response Team. “We commend Galveston County Animal Services for recognizing the urgent need to move these cats out of harm’s way and are grateful to the SPCA of Texas for opening their doors to these animals in need.”
Hurricane Ida is expected to bring heavy rainfall and high winds throughout the next several days as it quickly approaches the Gulf Coast. The ASPCA disaster response team is in communications with local and state emergency response agencies and stands ready to assist displaced animals and pet owners upon request.
By relocating homeless animals from areas damaged 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.
As we approach National Preparedness Month in September, the ASPCA is sharing lifesaving expert tips on keeping animals safe during a disaster and urging residents in the pathway of approaching hurricanes to include pets in their evacuation plans. To learn how to incorporate pets into preparedness plans, visit aspca.org/disasterpep.
To view all of the SPCA of Texas' adoptable animals, please visit www.spca.org/findapet. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, please visit www.spca.org.
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