Rescue Groups Save Dogs From Certain Euthanasia

EATONTOWN, NJ - The rescue dogs saved from almost certain death in Puerto Rican animal shelters made it safely to New Jersey late last week, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County SPCA.

The dogs arrived in the early morning hours of Aug. 24, said MCSPCA Lindsay Sanator.

The rescue mission was part of the Monmouth County SPCA's joint effort with The Sato Project, the Humane Society of the United States and the Wings of Hope to fly the dogs in two planes.

The Monmouth SPCA agreed to be a drop-off location for over 66 dogs that arrived in New Jersey very early Wednesday morning. The SPCA will take 20 of the dogs. The rest of the rescued animals will be placed in shelters along the East coast to be placed up for adoption.

"If a dog is taken to one of the five Municipal Shelters in Puerto Rico they will not make it out alive," according to The Sato Project. "The euthanasia rate at these shelters is 99 percent. Most dogs do not even get 24 hours in the shelter - they are walked 'straight out back' to be euthanized."

Some of the dogs came from "Dead Dog Beach" in Puerto Rico, a dumping ground for unwanted dogs.

“We’re happy to be a landing point for the rescued dogs from Puerto Rico and the Sato Project.” says Ross Licitra, Chief of Police and Executive Director of the Monmouth County SPCA, “We’ve always had great success in adopting out Sato dogs and have received nothing but support from our surrounding communities when participating in these types of efforts. We believe all animals deserve a second chance and we’re proud to support animal rescue in all capacities.”

Photos: Monmouth County SPCA