Recently, the Dallas-based southwest Airlines rescued sixty-two dogs and cats left behind during a hurricane and brought them to the US mainland for relocation. After months of attempt, Southwest Airlines has successfully completed a relief flight that brought 6,350 kgs of supplies to the Caribbean island.
On return flight to Baltimore, 62 stray animals left behind during Hurricane Maria were on board the aircraft.
“Each animal was boarded in the cabin of the aircraft in a crate which was secured into seats with seatbelt extenders,” the airline said.
To monitor the dogs and cats, a veterinarian and some volunteers were also on board. The humanitarian flight was organized after a call from Washington, DC-based Lucky Dog Animal Rescue regarding Hurricane Maria hit the island in late September.
“The devastation that Hurricane Maria caused the communities of Puerto Rico is heartbreaking,” said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Chief Communications Officer.
@carmeloanthony Over 60 rescue dogs and cats from Puerto Rico are bringing their A game today as they head to DC to start a new life following #HurricaneMaria. #IAmLuckyDog #SouthwestHeart #SatoPride pic.twitter.com/ggbaFQqe15
— Lucky Dog (@DCLuckyDog) January 20, 2018
The stray animals has been taken into care by foster families in Puerto Rico with the help of PR Animals, the rescue organization.
This is not the first time Southwest Airlines has helped in the wake of a major hurricane. Two weeks before Maria hit Puerto Rico, Southwest rescued pets affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Reference: Hindustan times
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