WARL Receives 9 Dogs Homeless Due to Hurricane Isaac

September 06, 2012

The Washington Animal Rescue League, in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and ASPCA, received nine dogs today from the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi following severe flooding caused by Hurricane Isaac in the Gulf Coast region.

The nine dogs – four puppies and three dogs that are currently heartworm-positive—arrived at the League’s state-of-the-art shelter in Washington, D.C. Thursday morning.  The IFAW rescue vehicle left Hancock County, Mississippi on Wednesday morning.

“We’re very proud to assist with this rescue effort, “said Mary Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO for the League.  “Along with our partners at the ASPCA and IFAW, we’re thrilled that we can make a difference for these animals in need.  With our on-site medical center, we will be able to provide the complicated treatment for the heartworm-positive dogs, and eventually find forever homes for all nine animals.”

The dogs are from the Hancock County (Mississippi) Animal Shelter.  The region suffered torrential rain caused by Hurricane Isaac, and the already crowded shelter was overwhelmed with calls from the public to rescue animals stranded by the Hurricane. Local officials began placing the animals at other shelters with facilities that can assist the animals.

“It is an enormous help to have the Washington Animal Rescue League open its doors for these dogs,” said Jennifer Gardner, IFAW Animal Rescue Program Officer.  “It will give the Hancock County Animal Shelter the space to prepare for more dogs that are likely to need refuge as families return to find their homes destroyed by Hurricane Isaac.”
Following their arrival, the dogs will be evaluated by the League’s medical and behavior staffs.  With three known cases of heartworm and other possible medical issues facing the dogs, the League adoptions staff will determine their potential adoption status following their medical treatment and a complete evaluation by on-staff certified behavior and training experts.