100 homeless animals to be moved after Denton County shelter floods
PILOT POINT, Texas - The ASPCA and Texas-based Animal Investigation & Response (AIR) are teaming up to help evacuate over 100 homeless animals displaced by severe weather.
The All American Dogs Shelter in the Denton County city of Pilot Point has rescued dozens of pets and accepted others that were dropped off after storms in Texas.
One of the animals was found underneath the remains of a trailer damaged in the May 25 tornado outbreak in Valley View.
The animal's owner was injured and is in the hospital.
"He had significant storm injuries. During the tornado, there was metal debris, all types flying around, and he was struck by it many, many times," said Bob Matthews of All American Dogs.
To date, they have 20 dogs and 14 rabbits that are still separated from their owners.
The crowded shelter reached out for help. Its partner, a mobile animal rescue group stepped up. However, as soon as Animal Investigation and Response arrived, another issue came up.
"After the tornado, the storms continued to come through and one of their buildings flooded," said Monica Ailey-Welbourn, with AIR. "It just exasperated the problem. So from there we came in and realized we probably needed a little more help."
Around 6 a.m. on Monday, the help showed up.
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals transported over 50 homeless dogs to an emergency facility in Columbus, Ohio operated by the ASPCA.
Later in the week, a second transport will then relocate over 50 homeless cats to that same emergency facility.
The gesture will help ease the overcrowding burden while they work to reunite the displaced storm animals with their owners.
"We had to evacuate that building, and that’s when all the partners really came in to play," said Matthews. "They’ve given us a chance. By taking those 53 animals they’ve given us a chance to breathe, gives us a chance to reset the buildings the way they are supposed to be."
The shelter's help is possible with the help of donations.
Veterinarians treating the injured animals have donated their services. They say they are extremely grateful and just hoping, with the community's assistance, they'll be able to continue helping.