Hundreds of Animals Transported to New Jersey Amid Hurricane Fiona Aftermath in Puerto Rico

Amid the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, volunteers are scrambling to save homeless animals. Many organizations and volunteers are working to save as many animals as possible.

Source: News 12/YouTube

Puerto Rico is still recovering from the hurricane, and the main focus has been on assisting human and animal lives on the island. 130 animals from shelters in Puerto Rico arrived in New Jersey last week. Volunteers said that the animals would likely not have survived in Puerto Rico if they had stayed. The dogs and cats that were transported came from three shelters in Puerto Rico that were particularly affected by the storm.

A nonprofit called The Sato Project is working to organize flights for animals to go somewhere safe. Bobby Beckles, who runs the nonprofit with his wife, said, “It’s something you don’t want to think about. You know there’s only one outcome for that. These shelters, they can’t care for them.”

“There was flooding. There were mudslides. There are trees down. They didn’t have anywhere for their animals,” says Beckles.

The animals will go to 12 different animal rescues and shelters. Most of the animals will stay in New Jersey, but some of the animals will be transported to Rhode Island and Connecticut. Before arriving in New Jersey, all of the animals were checked by veterinarians and given the proper paperwork to fly. The animals can now be placed with families.

The Sato Project first started 10 years ago to help the stray animals in Puerto Rico and help decrease the numbers by offering free spay and neutering as well as helping with adoption.

How You Can Donate and Help:

A woman-led nonprofit Taller Salud is coordinating hurricane relief efforts and accepting donations from anything from nonperishable food, adult and baby diapers, gallons of water, toiletries, and more.

Nonprofit Global Giving has launched the “Hurricane Fiona Relief Fund,” and they aim to raise $1 million to help residents.

Puerto Rican mutual-aid group is asking for donations to get essentials for residents, like first-aid kits, water filters, solar lamps, and water purification tablets.

Nonprofit Hispanic Federation is on the ground in Puerto Rico, giving emergency relief services and essential supplies.

To donate to The Sato Project, check out their website.

Related Content:

• How This Florida Rescue is Helping Animals Impacted by Hurricane Ian
• Puerto Rico Governor Requests Major Disaster Declaration Amid Destructive Hurricane Fiona
• Baby Animals Rescued After Hurricane Nicholas
• Dolphin Rescued from Louisiana Pond After Hurricane Ida
• New Study Shows Hurricanes are Caused by Humans

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