Pets displaced in tornadoes up for adoption

The North Shore Animal League is extending a helping hand to states recently ravaged by tornadoes -- specifically Alabama.

Nearly 80 pets, many that were displaced when tornadoes struck the South last month, have been rescued by the Port Washington-based animal rescue and adoption group and should be ready for adoption by Thursday, a spokeswoman for the group said.

The Long Island-based group is sending emergency rescue teams to collect animals from shelters in Alabama, specifically near Tuscaloosa, which had devastating tornadoes, said spokeswoman Devera Lynn.

On Thursday, the first of the pets -- 25 dogs, 30 puppies and 23 kittens -- will be available for adoption, after having been evaluated and spayed or neutered, she said.

Available dogs include mixed-breed shepherds, Labrador retrievers, border collies, Chihuahuas and small terriers. Puppies include Chihuahua/dachshund, shepherd/dachshund and a shepherd/corgi.

Kittens available for adoption range between 7 and 10 weeks old.

The North Shore Animal League said in aiding the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society animals are being collected so those shelters can make room for other animals that were found on the streets or had been abandoned during the hazardous weather.

The hope is that the most recently displaced animals will remain in Alabama shelters so they might be reconnected with their owners, said Laura Golden of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

"The sheer volume of animals that are being brought into shelters every day is overwhelming," Golden said in a statement. "We are so grateful for the hands-on support that North Shore Animal League America is providing."

At least 50 more animals should be arriving by the beginning of next week, Lynn said.

More information about the adoptions and the rescue is available by calling 516-883-7575, or at www.AnimalLeague.org.