Understanding the Impact of the Texas Floods
At least 120 people have been found dead after heavy rainfall overwhelmed the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, and flooded homes and youth camps during the early morning hours of July 4. More than 160 individuals are still missing in the county, and officials have reported that hopes of finding survivors are diminishing with each passing day.
As the search continues, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA)-Angell is expected to bring approximately 50 cats and dogs affected by last week’s catastrophic floods to the Bay State for shelter. People in Massachusetts and beyond will have the opportunity to adopt these animals once the process is complete.
“This time of year is already busy for us, but given the immense need in Texas, we knew we had to pull out all the stops to help,” said Josie Waldron, MSPCA-Angell Animal Relocation Manager, in a written statement this week. “We’re extremely proud of the resilience, compassion, and skill of our staff and volunteers, without which we couldn’t make something like this happen.”
Details About the Animal Transfer
There are roughly 20 cats and 30 dogs being transferred from the Williamson Animal Shelter, which is just five miles from the flood zone. This shelter has been taking in animals to assist two other local shelters—Lampasas Animal Shelter and Georgetown Animal Shelter. The cats are all domestic shorthairs and range in age from approximately two months to 7 years old. The dogs range in age from roughly three months to six years old. Breeds expected to include Terrier, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Husky mixes, although details of the transport may change.
The transport flight, arranged by the Bissell Pet Foundation, is scheduled to arrive at Hanscom Field in Bedford on July 11. Upon arrival, the animals will be met by MSPCA-Angell vans that will take them to the Northeast Animal Shelter to serve out their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine. They will also receive any medical care they may need before they will be ready for adoption.
Adoption Events and Public Involvement
The MSPCA-Angell plans to hold fee-waived adoption events for both cats and dogs later this month. The cats and dogs are scheduled to arrive one day after the MSPCA-Angell opened 1,600 square feet of new transport space at its Cape Cod Adoption Center. It’s important to note that these animals were living in the shelters prior to the floods and are not animals displaced by them.
“There’s a common misconception that transports like this mean people’s pets get lost, end up in a shelter, and are immediately shipped out of town,” Waldron said in a written statement on Thursday. “That’s just not true.”
Texas shelters are overwhelmed with caring for stray animals found in the flooding that may be people’s pets, as well as those who need temporary housing because their family’s home was destroyed.
Additional Support from MSPCA-Angell
In addition to taking in the 50 animals, the group sent two staff members to Texas to aid in the transport. Waldron emphasized that taking in the cats and dogs will definitely help pets affected by the flooding in Texas, noting that by taking animals that were already living in shelters prior to the floods, the organization is freeing up vital cage space there to help those animals now in need.
How the Public Can Help
The group is welcoming monetary donations. Anyone who would like to donate to help offset the cost of caring for the new arrivals is encouraged to give at mspca.org/Texas.
