(Press release)

(Sept. 29, 2008) – More than two weeks after Hurricane Ike hit the coast of Texas, many animals rescued in the storm’s aftermath are getting a second chance at life. The Humane Society of the United States has been working in Texas since the storm hit, and will be transporting approximately 140 dogs and cats from the Galveston County Animal Shelter in Texas City, Texas, to the Tampa Bay SPCA in Largo, Fla.

"Sadly, many owners have had to give up their beloved pets because they lost their homes," said Joanne Bourbeau, who is leading HSUS’ work at the Galveston County Animal Shelter. "To make space for incoming animals who need care, we are moving unclaimed or surrendered animals to out of the affected area to give them their best chance at finding a new home.”

The animals will make the journey to the Tampa Bay SPCA this evening in The HSUS’ custom-built 75-foot animal transport vehicle. HSUS staff and volunteers will drive through the night to deliver these needy animals safely to Largo. Once they arrive, the animals will be evaluated and placed up for adoption.

Many local shelters in Texas have been overwhelmed by the number of animals rescued after Hurricane Ike who were in need of new homes. The HSUS has been working for weeks with the Galveston County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, and will continue to provide these organizations with sheltering and transport assistance until their shelter populations reach a manageable size. With assistance from The HSUS, more than 100 animals from the Humane Society of Southeast Texas have also been transported to shelters outside of the state to be placed for adoption.

“It is rewarding to usher these animals into what we hope will be a new, bright chapter of their lives,” said Bourbeau