30 Dogs Rescued From Hurricane Laura Floodwaters Arrive In Largo

LARGO, FL — After escaping the floodwaters in Louisiana caused by Hurricane Laura, 30 dogs are finding new families in Tampa Bay.

Following a 12-hour trip in two ASPCA vans, the 30 homeless dogs rescued by the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals arrived at the SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo, Aug. 31.

This lifesaving transport was made possible with support from The Rachael Ray Foundation, a foundation started by television host and philanthropist Rachael Ray to help animals in need.

Hurricane Laura brought heavy rainfall and high winds to the Gulf Coast, impacting hundreds of thousands of residents, including pet owners. By relocating homeless animals from damaged through the ASPCA's Nancy Silverman Rescue Ride, not only are homeless animals brought to safety, but much-needed space and resources are made available for displaced pets in impacted communities.

Launched in January 2015, the ASPCA’s Nancy Silverman Rescue Ride initiative is aimed at relocating dogs from areas of high homeless pet populations in the Southeast. Last year, the Nancy Silverman Rescue Ride transported 20,455 animals.

“Collaboration within the animal welfare community to support lifesaving emergency response efforts during disasters of Hurricane Laura’s magnitude are essential, and that’s even more true with the added complexities of a global pandemic,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “We thank The Rachael Ray Foundation for enabling us to respond quickly when disaster strikes, and we commend the Louisiana SPCA and SPCA Tampa Bay for working tirelessly to safely meet the needs of these at-risk animals.”

The SPCA Tampa Bay veterinary tech team evaluated the new arrivals and cleared 10 dogs for adoption on Sept. 2.

As of Tuesday, seven of the dogs are with new families and three more are available for adoption.

A third of the dogs are undergoing routine heartworm treatment. Once their condition improves, as many as 10 more dogs will be available for adoption.

In the meantime, residents can help support the care and medical treatment of the rescued dogs by making a donation to the nonprofit SPCA of Tampa Bay here.

For more information, contact Eric Keaton at ekeaton@spcatampabay.org or 813-400-0748.