Nearly 80 animals rescued from the tornado-ravaged areas of Alabama are on their way to New York, set to arrive at the North Shore Animal League America shelter on Long Island Monday morning.
The animals are being brought back by an emergency rescue team from the shelter, which had been deployed to assist its partners in Alabama following the tornadoes that killed hundreds of people last month.
"With the recent events of devastating tornadoes, not only have hundreds of animals been abandoned or lost, but sadly many displaced families were left no choice but to relinquish their pets," said the North Shore Animal League America in a statement. "This has resulted in the local shelters being inundated with animals with nowhere to go."
The team is bringing back 25 dogs, 30 puppies and 23 kittens on its Mobile Rescue Unit. This has helped relieve the Greater Birmingham Humane Society of some overcrowding, according to North Shore, and allowed them to open up space for other displaced animals that are continuing to come into the shelter, including those being sought after by their owners.
The animals arriving Monday include full-grown mixed-breed shepherds, Labrador retrievers, border collies, Chihuahuas and small terriers. There are also several puppies and kittens.
The animals will be evaluated, and spayed or neutered if needed, and could be available for adoption as soon as Thursday, said a shelter spokesperson.
A second emergency rescue team is on its way to Tuscaloosa, where it will assist its shelter partner, Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, which has been receiving hundreds of animals each day, said North Shore Animal League America.
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