San Diego Humane Society Helps Ease Crowding at L.A. Shelters, Takes in 20 Dogs

Up to 20 dogs from a crowded animal shelter in Los Angeles will be brought to San Diego today and put up for adoption.

The San Diego Humane Society and the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have partnered up in a new animal relocation program to help ease crowding in Los Angeles County shelters.

Up to 20 dogs will be loaded into a recently acquired transport vehicle and will make the roughly two-hour trek to San Diego for an adoption event set for 1 p.m. at the San Diego Humane Society location at 5500 Gaines St, officials with the agency said.

"We are proud to partner with the ASPCA and our colleagues in Los Angeles as we work together to save more lives," San Diego Humane Society President and CEO Gary Weitzman said. "The San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition has been collaborating for years in transporting animals throughout San Diego County so we understand firsthand how impactful transport programs can be for homeless animals."

Each dog will be will be checked out by a veterinarian and will be adopted out on a first come, first served basis.

Officials with the local Humane Society said their agency was the first chosen by the ASPCA for the Los Angeles animal relocation program because of the level of commitment their employees have shown in caring for shelter animals.

"We're excited to launch our animal relocation program in Los Angeles with San Diego Humane Society as our first partner," ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker said. "Relocating pets gives them a critical second chance at survival, and is a vital element in our overall commitment to animals in the area."

—City News Service