ASPCA Responders Provide Emergency Shelter to More Than 500 Animals in Southeast Missouri

CARUTHERSVILLE, MO--As flood conditions continue to worsen in Caruthersville, MO, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is assisting the Caruthersville Humane Society in the emergency sheltering and evacuation of more than 500 displaced animals.

Various animal welfare agencies from all over the country, including Code 3 Associates, the Humane Society of the United States, and Wayside Waifs are helping to evacuate animals from the Caruthersville Humane Society to an emergency shelter in Kennett, Mo., approximately 20 miles away. The animals are scheduled to arrive throughout the day via the ASPCA's custom-built animal transport trailer .

"ASPCA staff and responders have taken in hundreds of animals at the Caruthersville shelter over the past several days and the number has continued to increase," said Tim Rickey, senior director of ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team. "We were able to establish an emergency shelter in Kennett that will allow us to assist more pet owners and animals in need. Our priority is to relocate all the animals to a safe area where they will receive appropriate care."

Under the request of the Caruthersville Humane Society, the City of Caruthersville, Mo. and the County of Pemiscot, the ASPCA dispatched its Field Investigations and Response team last week to organize a temporary sheltering plan and assist in the emergency rescue and sheltering of displaced animals by the recent flooding.

In addition, the ASPCA provided two trailers stocked with 260 wire crates, pet food and other emergency supplies along with a five-person sheltering team to the Sikeston, Mo. emergency shelter .

The ASPCA has been conducting field rescues and bringing animals back to the shelter, as well as accepting animals from pet owners. The majority of the animals include dogs and cats, but responders have also rescued several horses.

"We are glad to be part of a major, collaborative effort to relocate these animals to safety," added Kyle Held, Midwest regional director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. "The ASPCA will continue to monitor the situation and provide supplies and other assistance to Caruthersville and the surrounding communities as long as we're needed."