FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2017 MEDIA CONTACT Sherry Silk, Chief Executive Officer Humane Society of Tampa Bay 813.774.4309 / sherrys@humanesocietytampa.org OPERATION BREATHING ROOM BRINGS ABUSED DOGS FROM THE STREETS OF PUERTO RICO TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY TAMPA, FLA (April 7, 2017) – In Puerto Rico stray dogs, known as “Sato”, are considered vermin and endure starvation, illness, and unspeakable acts of torture. There are a reported 500,000 ‘Sato’ crammed onto the tiny island the size of Connecticut. Dogs are routinely dumped at “Dead Dog Beach” where they starve to death or become the targets of cruelty and torture by people who consider them worthless. In answer to this crisis, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is conducting a transport- Operation Breathing Room- to bring 200 of these dogs to the US mainland for rehabilitation and adoption. As an HSUS * Emergency Placement Partner (EPP), the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will receive 22 ‘Sato’ on Saturday, April 8th. The remaining 178 dogs will be received by other EPPs across the southeast. The dogs will arrive in Ft. Lauderdale at 2:00pm where they’ll be picked up by staff and transported back to the shelter at 3607 N. Armenia Avenue with an arrival time expected between 7pm and 8pm. On site media contact: Nash McCutchen, 813-785-6922. “It is heartbreaking to read accounts of these dogs,” said Humane Society of Tampa Bay Chief Executive Officer Sherry Silk. “Puppies and adult dogs are routinely used for target practice both with guns and vehicles, and many are subject to ritualistic torture. Not to mention the fact that they are starving and often suffering from illness and injury. We are proud to be part of this effort to end such horror.” Once at the shelter, the dogs will be assessed for medical needs and any special care, spayed/neutered, and brought back to physical and mental health. It is unknown when they will be available for adoption but the Society will keep the public updated on their progress through their blog, HumaneSocietyTampa.org/blog, and social media. *Emergency Placement Partners are part of HSUS’s national network that aims to save animals from abuse by assisting with large-scale abuse cases such as hoarding situations, animal fighting, or puppy mill operations. Once HSUS removes animals from abusive situations, Emergency Placement Partners step up to care for and place the animals. As local groups with
access to local resources, Emergency Placement Partners provide the animals with veterinary care, rehabilitation, and ultimately, placement in lifelong homes. For more information on HSUS’s Emergency Placement Partners, visit humanesociety.org/epp. About the Humane Society of Tampa Bay For more than 100 years, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. Named a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for eight years running, and accredited by AAHA, the standard in veterinary excellence, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is dedicated to the highest standards in animal sheltering and veterinary care. Our adoption programs, Animal Health Center services, community outreach efforts and volunteer opportunities are essential to the health and well being of animals across Tampa Bay. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is leading the way because every life counts. www.humanesocietytampa.org. ###