ARF Heads To Puerto Rico To Save Hurricane Maria-Stranded Animals

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Pets stranded by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico will see hope reborn thanks to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.

Since September, ARF has saved 105 dogs and cats from shelters in Texas and Florida impacted by hurricanes, ARF Executive Director and CEO Scott Howe said.

"Last week, we learned that our long-standing partner in Rincon, Puerto Rico — Barks of Hope — had no electricity, water or gas," he said. "Aid for the 45 animals in its shelter was nowhere in sight."

To that end, ARF has chartered a cargo plane to bring the dogs from Bark of Hope to New York, where they will find homes, Howe said.

ARF's staff is slated to land in Aguadilla Monday to prepare the dogs for their flight, and they will arrive at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.