JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -
Thirty dogs from the Jackson County animal
shelter could be in loving, new homes by Christmas. That's because they're headed to a no kill shelter in Illinois.
Volunteers were up early Tuesday to get the animals ready for the long journey.
"They have pet licensing laws and spay and neuter laws so they don't have the pet overpopulation that we have right now," said Neva Bailey with the Animal Protection and Education Association.
Giving the dogs a new lease on life gives Bailey a feeling of contentment.
"This
is something we've been working with the Jackson County animal shelter
for years, saving animals. And to be able to save this many at one time
is awesome."
Just in the past few months alone, the Jackson
County animal shelter has been deluged with unwanted animals. The main
reason for that was a storm called Hurricane Isaac.
"Typically,
people that are affected by the storms with flooding in their homes or
damage to their homes. They relocate temporarily, sometimes, to other
living arrangements and can't keep their pets," explained Shelter Director Bill Richman.
For animal control officer Charles Callegan, the dogs represent the perfect Christmas gift for himself, and other people.
"Well,
we get to save lives and find good homes for them. The kids up there
really would enjoy them as much as we enjoy them down here," Callegan
said.
The Animal Protection and Education Association has helped
with several other transport missions to no kill shelters in the past.
Volunteers with the organization helped to raise money to cover
expenses for this latest trip.
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