ON February 7, 2010, the the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), in collaboration with Pet Airways, transferred 34 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Holly Springs, Miss. to New York City for adoption.
ASPCA officials loaded the dogs onto the plane. The flight then continued to Farmingdale Airport, Long Island, where the rescued dogs were transferred to the ASPCA Adoption Center at 424 E. 92nd Street in Manhattan. “We are grateful for the collaboration of Pet Airways, which offered to fly these dogs at cost, as well as local and out-of-state animal welfare agencies that assisted in this effort,” said Matt Bershadker, senior vice-president of the ASPCA’s anti-cruelty group.
Allison Cardona, director of operations for the ASPCA’s field lnvestigations and response team, added: “This is a great example of what like-minded animal welfare professionals can accomplish when they work together for the common goal of saving lives.”
Under the authority and request of the Marshall Co. Prosecutor’s Office in Marshall County, Miss., the ASPCA dispatched its field investigations and response team on Thursday, February 4, to assist in the emergency removal of about 100 dogs from a puppy mill operation in Holly Springs, Miss.
The dogs, which include small breeds were discovered living in atrocious conditions. Many were underweight as well as having skin problems, and other medical conditions. Several dead adult dogs and puppies were also discovered on the property.
“We are glad to have been able to be part of another major, collaborative effort to rescue these dogs from such deplorable conditions,” said Gail Buchwald, senior vice-president, ASPCA Adoptions Center. “Once we have medically and behaviorally evaluated these dogs, we look forward to finding them forever homes.”
On January 6, the ASPCA welcomed 15 homeless chihuahuas from California shelters. The dogs were transported to New York from the City of San Francisco Animal Care and Control on donated seats from Virgin America Airlines, and all have since been adopted. On January 29, the ASPCA received six neglected Labrador Retriever mixes from an overcrowded shelter in Clarksdale, Miss.
Pet Airways is the first airline specifically designed for the comfortable, efficient transportation of pets. Pet Airways' pawsengers travel in the specially equipped main cabin of its planes - fully-lit, climate-controlled and pressurized - with a trained pet attendant on duty at all times. With Pet Airways, pet parents can be assured their animals will be treated with tender, loving care throughout the journey. The airline launched in 2009, and provides coast-to-coast service from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Omaha, Chicago, Baltimore/Washington, New York and Ft. Lauderdale . For more information visit the Pet Airways website, www.petairways.com.
