BOSTON — More than a dozen dogs recently arrived from Mississippi, which is bracing for impacts of winter storm Fern, MSPCA-Angell officials announced on Friday.
Eighteen dogs from Oktibbeha County Humane Society were expected to arrive at Worcester Regional Airport the afternoon of Jan. 23, where they will be met by vans that will bring them to the MSPCA-Angell Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.
“The ASPCA reached out to us when the trajectory of the storm became clearer because it was apparent that many of our regular transport partners were in areas expected to get hit hard,” MSPCA-Angell Animal Protection Division Vice President Mike Keiley said. “One of those partners is Oktibbeha, which was desperate to clear kennel space so they’d be in a better spot to help animals impacted by the storm.”
MSPCA-Angell has a longstanding partnership with the ASPCA, which is handling transport logistics.
“The best way to help the most animals in need is to work together,” Keiley expounded. “This transport is a perfect example of that.”
Massachusetts-based Second Chance Animal Services and Animal Rescue League of Boston will also take in animals from the transport.
“Given how many areas [winter storm] Fern is supposed to hit, we know that a lot of animals will be impacted.”
The dogs range in age from 3-months to 3-years-old and include mixes of Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, poodles, and great Pyrenees.
Following their arrival, the dogs will serve out their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and be assessed for any medical or behavioral treatment they may need prior to adoption.
“We’ll work to get these dogs ready to find new homes while also remaining in touch with Oktibbeha and other southern shelters that may need help,” Keiley said.
Those who would like to donate to help support the organization’s natural disaster relief work are asked to give at mspca.org/disaster.