"Disasters are the great levelers in the literal and figurative sense. They often bring rich and poor, human and animal, to a common state. Disasters teach us that we are all in this together and by working together we increase the chances that we will survive."
-Dr. Randall Lockwood, ASPCA
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), SPCA of Texas, local Police and Fire Departments, along with countless other animal disaster response teams, shelters, and citizens, have united for astounding rescues as the people and animals of Texas and Louisiana fight to endure Hurricane Harvey. The HSUS worked with local officials to help shelters safely relocate animals in preparation for the storm, and their Animal Rescue Team is currently working tirelessly on the ground to safeguard cats, dogs, and other animals. The SPCA of Texas, an Emergency Placement Partner (EPP) of the HSUS, has taken in hundreds of animals alone, and other EPPs across the country have also stepped in to help. According to reports, "By the end of the weekend, the HSUS will have moved out more than 400 animals from Texas and Louisiana."
Recent Rescue Video by the Humane Society of the United States
For the HSUS updates, follow the HSUS-Texas
The ASPCA is also spread throughout Texas and Louisiana. As their search and rescue teams face the flooding to make rescues, their relocation teams work to transport animals. They recently assisted with the transport and placement of 41 shelter dogs, which you can read about here. After the long journey to safely transport the animals to the ASPCA adoption center in New York City, they returned the animal transport vehicle back to Texas to continue to help more animals in need.
Through the wind, the rain, the flooding, and weight of heavy hearts, heroic individuals have continued to persevere and lend a hand to those in need, and we could not be more thankful for their incredible efforts.
May the sun soon shine and warm up the bodies, hearts, and souls of all those affected by Hurricane Harvey, and of those who have bravely assisted throughout and in the wake of the storm.
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Above photo created using the following image sources: Center, HSUS Rescue Team member carries an animal on his shoulder through the flood/HSUS; Top Left, Joe Garcia carrying dog Hedi in Spring, TX/David J. Phillip/AP; Top Right, Felipe Grande carrying dogs from his apartment in the Houston area/Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle/AP; Bottom Left, A volunteer Rescuer carries a dog to safety/John Glaser/CSM/REX/Shutterstock; Bottom Right, A bulldog is rescued in Spring, TX/Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg/GETTY
