Many Dogs Underweight as Rescue Owner No Longer Able to Provide Necessary Care
BOSTON, April 24, 2024 – The MSPCA-Angell is partnering with American Humane and Bissell Pet Foundation to rescue 25 large breed dogs from Texas. The dogs arrived at Hanscom Field in Bedford on the afternoon of April 23.
“Many of these dogs were living at a small rescue operation,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “But that group was no longer able to provide the care that they needed, so the dogs started to suffer, and it became clear they needed to be moved off the property.”
“Unfortunately, it’s near impossible to find transport partners for dogs right now, especially larger breeds, because most organizations are already full up,” he expounded, alluding to the national dog population crisis.
“Our own population has been at or near capacity for over a year at this point, but thanks to the success of our last adoption event, we were able to free up some space and knew we had to help.”
No Rest for the Weary!
The MSPCA rehomed 135 dogs during the week-long Ready, Set, Dog! adoptathon, something Keiley says could not have come at a better time for dogs in need.
“Since the start of the population crisis, we’ve held adoption events like Ready, Set, Dog! periodically to help encourage adoptions and keep animals moving out of the shelters,” he said. “Doing so has allowed us to continue helping our national partners like Berkeley Animal Center, as well as local partners who need help with animals in our backyards—something that would not be possible without the incredible support we get from the community with people adopting and fostering dogs.”
“This approach has also helped us remain in a position to help with emergency transports like this one,” he expounded. “Unfortunately, it seems like these situations are only increasing while there are fewer organizations in a position to help, so it’s more important now than ever that we’re able to step up.”
Keiley estimates that thousands of dogs have been helped by this approach, but notes that it takes a toll on staff who are required to work incredibly hard to help new arrivals acclimate while matching those already in care with great new homes.
“Despite all of that hard work, our team didn’t waver for one second when asked if we could pull off a transport of this size so quickly after the last one, and I’m really grateful for their dedication to helping animals in need, not to mention our amazing volunteers who are also integral to our success,” he added.
Help These Dogs!
The dogs range in age from 12-weeks to 10-years-old and are mostly mixes of large breeds, including Pit Bulls, Labrador Retrievers, Hounds, and Catahoulas. After their arrival in Bedford, they were split between all four of the MSPCA’s Adoption Centers.
“This transport really required all hands on deck,” Keiley explained. “Every shelter we have needed to free up space for the dogs to complete their state-mandated quarantines.”
“After they do that and get any medical care they may need, we’ll also need adopters,” he added, noting that the MSPCA will share updates on the dogs’ adoption statuses on its social media platforms.
Caring for the dogs is expected to cost roughly $5,000. Those interested in donating to help offset that cost may do so at mspca.org/donate.
