A Chicago animal shelter is doing well this holiday season.
Earlier this month, PAWS Chicago — one of the nation’s largest no-kill animal welfare organizations — rescued more than 75 dogs and cats from the Caribbean island of Dominica, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE.
The animals, the organization said, were “horribly abused” and “tortured, beaten, poisoned and left to die” before St. Nicholas Animal Rescue, the only shelter on the island, received.
But when the shelter was forced to close, Los Angeles-based charity Wings of Rescue stepped in and organized an emergency rescue mission.
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An animal shelter in Chicago rescues cats and dogs.
PAWS Chicago/Courtney Frederick
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Once the animals arrived in the state, the statement said, “they were immediately examined by the PAWS Chicago veterinary team to begin treatment.”
Chicagoans can now help any of the cats or dogs involved in the PAWS program by applying to foster or adopt them, or by donating to rescue efforts.
Among the dogs looking for their forever homes are Sage, a stray who was beaten and kicked, resulting in four broken ribs and a broken leg, as well as Grover, an older man who was abandoned downtown where children tortured and set him on fire.
Cats also looking for homes include those rescued from the meat trade and kittens dumped in the river, PAWS Chicago said.
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An animal shelter in Chicago rescues cats and dogs.
PAWS Chicago/Courtney Frederick
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In a statement to NBC Chicago, Susanna Wickham, executive director of PAWS Chicago, said, “We just had to jump in when we heard what was going on. They need love.”
She added: “Even though these animals have been through really horrible abuse, they come here ready to trust and love and are just wonderful creatures. They teach us so much and we are grateful to be able to help them.”
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