Dozens Of New Orleans Blizzard Rescue Cats, LA Wildfire Dogs Arriving In MA

SALEM, MA — More than three dozen cats from snow-slammed New Orleans and another 10 to 20 dogs from fire-ravaged Los Angeles are expected to arrive at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem and other MSPCA centers in Massachusetts as the organization looks to adopt out a "staggering number of animals" in need of forever homes across the country in light of recent catastrophic events.

The MSPCA said 37 cats are arriving in Salem by van on Saturday as part of an "urgent transport" before the dogs are expected in the state next week.

"A staggering number of animals across the country are being impacted by disasters right now," said MSPCA-Angell Relocation Manager, Josie Waldron. "As a leader in animal welfare with an established Disaster Relief Program, we have a responsibility to help in any way we can."

Waldron said the record-breaking snow in Louisiana — 10 inches or more in some areas that rarely, if ever, seen frozen precipitation — has put cats who normally can survive and flourish as outdoor strays in that area of the country in danger.

"That means more cats coming into shelters, some of which also rely on outdoor areas that aren’t accessible, which is why it's really important that we help them free up space," Waldron said.

The cats will be available for adoption following their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and after receiving any medical care they may need. Interested adopters are asked to visit the Northeast Animal Shelter during open hours (daily, 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Waldron said plans are still being finalized to bring in the dogs from the Los Angeles area, which are expected to be large-sized dogs.

"Given the distance, we expect the dogs to fly to a closer state, like Delaware, where we'll pick them up and drive them back to Massachusetts," she said.

The MSPCA-Angell said it will release more information on the Los Angeles transport as it becomes available. Those interested in donating to support the MSPCA’s disaster relief efforts and help care for these new arrivals can do so here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)