In an effort to give 78 dogs a new “leash” on life, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is funding the transport of 78 dogs from the East Baton Rouge Animal Shelter in Baton Rouge, La. to Pets Alive animal rescue centers in Middletown and Elmsford, N.Y. The transport to New York from Louisiana offers the dogs relief from crowded conditions as the shelter undergoes progressive changes and improvements under a new director, as well as a second chance for adoption.
The dogs—mostly small mixed breeds and puppies, with a handful of large breeds—will be placed up for adoption by the receiving Pets Alive shelters. The transport operation for the 78 dogs—which began this morning in Louisiana—is scheduled to arrive at the first stop in Orange County, N.Y. sometime mid-morning on Wednesday, August 1. The operation will then continue to Westchester County for arrival Wednesday afternoon. To learn more about the dogs, or to inquire about adoption please visit www.petsalive.org.
“The ASPCA Relocation Initiative works to move at-risk animals to locations where they have the best chance of getting out of shelters and finding permanent, loving homes,” said Kristen Limbert, manager of animal relocation for the ASPCA. “Working collaboratively with Companion Animal Alliance and Pets Alive provides these dogs with a much-needed second chance at getting adopted, and it is always a great pleasure for us to be a part of a process that promises happy endings.”
“Pets Alive is glad to be a part of this rescue,” said Kerry Clair, executive director of Pets Alive. “Fortunately we had the available space and plenty of potential adopters, and with our extraordinary volunteer support, we are in a position to accept these dogs and find them forever homes.” She added, “We’re very grateful that the East Baton Rouge Animal Shelter cared enough to reach out for help and opted to do everything in their power to save these precious animals. We commend them for all their hard work, and we’re thankful that the ASPCA could make this transport to New York possible.”
“Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge is incredibly thankful for our newly formed partnership with the ASPCA,” said Kimberly Sherlaw, executive director of Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge. “Through their network and strong national ties, our shelter was able to organize this life saving transport effort. Companion Animal Alliance is an open-admissions facility, struggling with an antiquated building, limited resources and intake rates of 20 to 30 animals each day. It is a relief and joy knowing that 78 dogs and puppies now have a second chance at life and loving homes.”
In addition to the funding provided by the ASPCA Animal Relocation Team for the transport of the animals, the operation is made possible thanks to the collaboration of the following groups:
- Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge, La. – for providing the medical care, examinations, up-to-date vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery to the dogs prior to transport;
- Sumter DART in Bushnell, Fla. – for transporting the animals from La. to N.Y. in custom built vehicles; and
- Pets Alive and Pets Alive Westchester in New York’s Hudson Valley – for accepting the 78 dogs into their facilities in Westchester and Middletown.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
About Pets Alive
Pets Alive is one of the oldest and largest no kill organizations in the United States saving more than 2,000 animals each year. Pets Alive is internationally recognized as a leader in developing alliances to end the killing of and promote the humane treatment of companion animals. The mission of Pets Alive is to improve the lives of companion animals everywhere by any means possible, including rescue, adoption, advocacy, collaboration, intervention and education. Pets Alive operates three locations: Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, New York; Pets Alive Westchester in Elmsford, New York; and Pets Alive Puerto Rico. Pets Alive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity operating solely on individual donations, receiving no funding from city or state. For more information, please visit www.petsalive.org. To become a fan of Pets Alive on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/petsalive. To follow Pets Alive on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/petsalive.
About Companion Animal Alliance
Companion Animal Alliance’s mission is to reduce the number of animals entering the shelter, treat animals humanely while they are in the shelter’s care, and finds homes for animals, returning lost ones to their families while finding foster care and permanent homes for other dogs and cats. For more information, please visit www.CAABR.org.