ASPCA Assists FEMA to Identify Critical Animal Needs in St. Croix Following Hurricane Maria

ASPCA deploys responders, provides much-needed pet supplies for at-risk animals on the island

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Sep 27, 2017, 12:46 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) has deployed its disaster response team to help assess needs for animals impacted by Hurricane Maria in St. Croix, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands devastated by the catastrophic Category 5 storm.

Hurricane Maria pummeled St. Croix—home to approximately 50,000 residents, comprising roughly half of the U.S. Virgin Islands population—just days after the island was hit by Hurricane Irma, which left a trail of destruction on several Caribbean islands.

"Hurricane season is in full force, and we've assisted thousands of displaced animals in communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and now we're focusing on helping communities demolished by Maria," said Tim Rickey, vice president of ASPCA Field Investigations & Response. "The ASPCA is committed to supporting FEMA and providing much-needed resources and support to help animals and pet owners on the island of St. Croix as people work to get back on their feet."

In addition to sending a team of responders, the ASPCA has provided three 53-foot trailers filled with pet supplies including food, wire crates, and other essential items for FEMA to send to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Croix and Puerto Rico, over the next few days.

In the past month alone, the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team has assisted more than 13,000 animals in communities impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina. The disaster response team deploys nationwide to assist in relocation, search-and-rescue, sheltering, and reunification efforts during disaster situations including wildfires, tornadoes, and floods.

For the latest updates on the ASPCA's response, please visit www.aspca.org/maria-response.

About the ASPCA^®Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first animal welfare organization in North America and continues to serve as the nation's leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA is committed to its mission of providing effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

SOURCE ASPCA