In a distressing turn of events, the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association in Charleston, West Virginia, faces a dire situation after a rental truck crashed into its facility on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred while workers were cleaning, has severely compromised the structural integrity of the building, posing a significant risk to the safety of the animals housed within. With one dog already sustaining leg injuries due to the crash, the shelter has issued an urgent appeal for community support to foster the dogs temporarily.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the truck became lodged into the side of the building, effectively becoming a critical support structure for the damaged facility. The shelter’s Community Engagement Manager, Angie Gillenwater, described the precarious situation to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, noting that the truck driver was a pet owner coming to reclaim his animal. Following the crash, authorities cut power to the facility as a safety measure, further complicating the shelter’s ability to care for its residents.
At the time of the accident, the shelter was already operating at a “state of emergency” capacity, housing 250 animals, with approximately 120 of them available for adoption. The sudden need to evacuate the animals for their safety has put an additional strain on the shelter’s resources and capacity. In response to the crisis, the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association took to Facebook to rally the community’s support, requesting immediate foster homes for the dogs until permanent arrangements can be made.
The community’s response to the shelter’s call to action has been heartening, with the Facebook post being shared nearly 5,000 times and numerous individuals commenting on their willingness to help by fostering a dog. Despite the shelter’s temporary closure to visitors, its plea for foster homes underscores the critical need to ensure the animals’ safety and well-being in the wake of this unfortunate incident.
As the shelter grapples with the aftermath of the crash and works towards securing the safety of its animals, donations are also being sought to aid in the recovery process. The incident highlights the vulnerability of animal shelters to unforeseen events and the crucial role that the community plays in stepping up to provide support and care for animals in distress. The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association’s urgent appeal serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and provide for animals, particularly in times of crisis.
Source:
https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-humane-shelter-accident-53972d72b7f19f8e57a245538d8de02a
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