COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — Historic flooding upheaved entire communities in upper East Tennessee, leaving many people without homes. It also displaced several animals, which workers at shelters are scrambling to care for.
The Humane Society of the United States said it was working to make room for those displaced animals, helping move pets that were already adoptable out of shelters in the area. It said in a press release it was bringing 45 adoptable pets from Newport to a rehabilitation center in Maryland, making room for displaced animals in East Tennessee.
It also said responders were heading towards Unicoi County after local officials asked for help at the Unicoi County Animal Shelter. The building was devastated by the flooding, according to the humane society.
It said the shelter was uninhabitable, and some of the animals there were evacuated to the Sullivan County Animal Society. Others were placed in foster homes, the humane society said. It also said it sent a delivery of animal food to the shelter, helping care for an influx of animals.
"Unicoi was devastated, the shelter completely flooded. Thankfully, all of the animals were taken out and are in a temporary situation. We'll see what can be done in Unicoi and start making a plan," said Jessica Hyder, the humane society's Tennessee director.
She said the best way for people to help the humane society care for animals was by making monetary donations.
It is also working to help animals in Florida, where responders and volunteers are operating a drive-thru distribution point for the community to get pet food and other supplies. It also set up a pop-up veterinary clinic in Taylor County after local authorities asked for veterinary help after the storm.
