Bloomington-Normal animal shelters have stepped up to handle care for animals impacted by Wednesday’s storms.
Notably, Springfield’s Animal Protective League [APL] was significantly damaged by the storms. On Facebook, the organization said it is in urgent need of foster homes and all its animals are safe and accounted for.
The Humane Society of Central Illinois in Normal said on Thursday it had taken refuge of eight dogs, four adult cats and three litters of kittens which were relocated to them after temporary shelter with Sangamon County Animal Control.
In a statement, Nicole Monson of the humane society said, “The Humane Society of Central Illinois remains committed to working alongside shelters across the region to ensure animals affected by disasters have a safe place to land and a chance for a brighter future.”
Pet Central Helps [PCH] also took home animals in need, including 17 cats and three dogs, also all from APL. As a partner of the league, they are able to quickly access records and continue vaccinations of all animals.
Staff said they are reaching out to foster families, some of which are already in the process of fostering those displaced animals. Four cats have also gone to Bloomington’s Cat’s Meow Café.
Clover's Cat Club in Normal has taken 28 kittens and is also seeking donations.
"As a rescue dedicated to taking on tough cases, Clover’s decided to emergency intake 28 kittens with upper respiratory infections. We are calling on our community of cat lovers to help us cover the unexpected costs of 28 new kittens coming into our care," posted the organization on Facebook.
The Humane Society said in a statement that the organization is glad to help relieve the need in Southern Illinois, allowing disaster relief to focus on other emergency response.
"When disaster strikes, the impact extends beyond people. Animals are left without homes, resources become strained and shelters are pushed to their limits," said Mandy Hawker the society's operations director. "We're proud to do our part by opening our doors and creating space for these vulnerable animals while our partner shelters focus on recovery."
Given that the animals require care on top of the other hundreds at the Humane Society, the organization is asking for community support for their food, medical care and enrichment.
Another round of severe weather is expected in Central and Northern Illinois on Thursday, with winds potentially reaching 75 mph or higher in McLean County.
