BOSTON, Feb. 25, 2021 – In the wake of deadly storms that brought record low temperatures, ice and snow to Texas—with millions of people still without power—the MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS) have turned their attention to the Lone Star state’s other vulnerable constituents: animals.
Thousands of dogs, cats and other animals have flooded Texas’ animal shelters in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, pushing the state’s animal welfare organizations—many of whom have been without power or suffered infrastructure damage as a result of the storm—to the breaking point.
Operation: Rescue – the MSPCA/NEAS Cavalry
Two teams from the MSPCA and NEAS—consisting of eight staff members, four vans and dozens of pet carriers—set off for Texas at the crack of dawn on Feb. 23 to arrive at Austin Pets Alive where they readied more than 100 dogs and cats for safe transport back to Massachusetts.
The teams are set to arrive in Massachusetts late tomorrow evening, with the animals immediately brought inside the two organization’s facilities to begin their mandatory 48-hour quarantine.
Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs—and interim director of NEAS—said the stakes could not be higher for the animals involved.
“This situation is as critical as it gets for animals because even though shelters like Austin Pets Alive! are doing everything humanly possible to respond to the crisis, there are just too many newly homeless animals, too little space to house them, and too few resources available to meet their needs—and when disasters strike, the animal welfare community comes together to help animals in need,” said Keiley.
“The MSPCA’s affiliation with NEAS means we can help more animals than either organization can alone,” he added.
A Call for Donations
The arrival of so many animals at once will place enormous strain on the already limited resources that both organizations have for the animals in their care. The MSPCA and NEAS has asked that anyone able to donate toward the cost of their care to do so by clicking www.neas.org/texas.
“We’re going to do to all we can for these animals, for as long as it takes to get them into loving homes,” said Keiley. “Any help that the public can provide will help ensure they receive veterinary care and other essentials, so that they all get the second chance that they deserve.”
Adopters Wanted!
Owing to intense, historic demand for adoptable pets, both NEAS and the MSPCA have asked would-be adopters to visit their adoptable animal pages here and here, for more information about the animals, and when they will be ready for adoption.
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