100 Animals Arrive In Madison: 'One Of The Largest Transports'

MADISON, WI—About 100 animals are making their way from an overcrowded shelter in El Paso, Texas to Madison where they can start the journey to finding a home.

The animals were flown to Madison on Thursday and landed at 2 p.m. with the help of the Dane County Humane Society who escorted and oversaw the animals and livestreamed the process. The flight included both dogs and cats, said Mike Klawitter, the public relations coordinator at the humane society.

Facilitated by BISSELL Pet Foundation, over 350 animals in total are leaving Texas. The 250 not landing in Madison are flying out to shelters in California and New Jersey.

It was one of the largest transports in pet rescue history, according to a Facebook post from the Dane County Humane Society.

“These animals will be arriving at the airport in Madison," the post said. "Some will be coming to Dane County Humane Society and others will be picked up by other shelters across our region. Truly a team effort to save lives!”

Some of the regional shelters involved are Animal Humane Society, Fox Valley Humane Society, Oconto Area Humane Society, Lincoln County Human Society, Wisconsin Humane Society, Fetching Tails Foundation and Animal House Shelter.

"Several animal agencies collaborated on this effort to move these animals from overcrowded conditions in Texas," Klawitter said.

Most of the animals landing at Madison will be placed in regional shelters. The humane society received about 30 animals which will be "thoroughly examined" on their medical and behavioral needs before being available for adoption, Klawitter said.