Hundreds of animals trapped in overcrowded shelters in southern states, are now looking for their forever homes in shelters across the country.
This afternoon, 10News Reporter Emily Thode was there as 18 of them landed at San Diego County's Montgomery Field.
325 dogs and 96 cats were rescued by the "Wings of Rescue" organization from six shelters and rescue groups in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.
"Wings of Rescue posted a video on Facebook with an interview from the 'Humane Society of the Delta' in Helena, Arkansas," said RCHS Spokesman John Van Zante. "They have 166 dogs being cared for by one full-time and three part-time staff members. The Wings of Rescue flights will save lives and give them a chance to regroup and start over."
The 18 dogs that flew to San Diego this morning are headed to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas.
"This isn't our fist time working with Wings of Rescue," Van Zante said. "In September RCHS and four of our San Diego animal rescue partners took in 65 'flood hounds' when wet weather devastated parts of Louisiana...no pet should die because it's in the wrong state."
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society is accepting donations to help cover costs for taking in the dogs. For more information you can visit the shelter at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, or visit www.sdpets.org. You can also call 760-753-6413.
To follow the progress of the Valentine's Day Wings of Rescue dogs, visit the Rancho Coastal Humane Society's Facebook page.
