American Humane Joins Wings of Rescue, The Sato Project, and the Humane Society of Broward County to Reunite Displaced Pets from Puerto Rico With Their Families

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, which has been first to serve in the rescue of animals in disasters for more than 100 years, joined forces with Wings of Rescue, The Sato Project, and the Humane Society of Broward County to help reunite 19 dogs and cats with their owners who relocated to the United States from Puerto Rico.

This weekend, a Wings of Rescue plane filled with pets and more than a little hope touched down at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport where a 50-foot American Humane Rescue vehicle was waiting to greet them. The pets were transferred to the giant truck and transported 13 miles to the Humane Society of Broward County, where the vehicle set up in the parking lot to serve as a Mobile Reunification Center so that owners who also recently flew to the U.S. could claim their pets.

One of the dogs brought back is blind, 7-year-old Zion. Sweet and friendly, he likes to play and he loves the beach. In the last two years, he developed ulcers in his eyes and lost his sight. His family hopes to get him medical treatment in the United States for the ulcers in his eyes. Others who arrived today were surrounded by crying members of their families, overwhelmed by having their best friends back.

"Wings of Rescue believes that pets are cherished family members," said Wings of Rescue President and CEO Ric Browde. "Puerto Rico has endured a catastrophe that has ripped families apart. Food, water, electricity and medical care are scarce. We want to do our part in bringing families together so they can truly be able to celebrate Thanksgiving."

"Coming on top of the devastation of their homes and communities, the separation of these pets from their families has been very difficult for the Puerto Rican victims of Hurricane Maria," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "We are honored to work and make a difference with these other wonderful groups in order to bring these animals to safety and back into the arms of their loving families." 

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization and has been first to serve in the rescue of animals for more than 100 years. To learn more, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

About Wings of Rescue
Wings of Rescue is a 501c(3) charity that has flown to date more than 29,000 dogs and cats from high intake and/or high-kill shelters to no-kill shelters and ultimately new homes. Each Wings of Rescue flight costs thousands of dollars, and it costs on average $100 per pet to take them to safety. The charity relies entirely on donations to fly its life-saving missions. To donate, please visit: www.wingsofrescue.org/donate.

About The Sato Project
Founded in 2011, The Sato Project is dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned dogs from Puerto Rico, and to working for lasting change for the island's estimated 500,000 strays (locally referred to as "satos"). The Sato Project has largely focused its efforts on a place unfortunately known as "Dead Dog Beach" in the municipality of Yabucoa, where Hurricane Maria made direct landfall on September 20. They have transformed this beach by rescuing almost 2,000 dogs to date, rehabilitating them with the highest standards of veterinary care and placing them in loving homes in the mainland U.S. The Sato Project is also working to address the underlying causes of overpopulation, abandonment, and abuse on the island through community outreach and a low-cost Spay, Neuter, Vaccine and Microchip Program. Since the devastation of Hurricane Maria, The Sato Project has evacuated over 170 dogs to safety and is working to keep families with their beloved pets, and to help the many animals left behind in the storm's aftermath. Learn more and donate at www.thesatoproject.org.

About the Humane Society of Broward County
The Humane Society of Broward County provides shelter, aid and responsible adoptions to animals entrusted to our care, and educates the community about respect and kindness to all animals. The group is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization and relies on the generosity of our community and companies to fund our operations and programs budget. We do not get funding from the government, United Way or any other national or local organizations with similar names. Every dollar is carefully spent to help the unwanted animals. To learn more or to support their work, please visit www.humanebroward.org.

SOURCE American Humane