Animal Hurricane Victims Still at Risk in Devastated North Carolina
Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury across the southeastern US in September, leaving countless animals terrified, stranded, and fighting for their lives. From beloved companions to farmed animals, many were left clinging to survival in the face of torrential rains, devastating winds, and surging floodwaters. Weeks may have passed, but our work must continue to help animals who lost their homes and families.
In Defense of Animals chose to work with Kinship Circle once again, a highly-trained team with a proven track record of aiding animals in the worst disasters. Backing from In Defense of Animals enabled these skilled rescuers to leap into action and provide life-saving aid to animals left behind in the devastation.
Our rescue efforts have focused on Asheville, North Carolina. It’s one of the hardest-hit areas, where flash floods washed away homes, farms, and entire communities. Farmed animals, often trapped in cramped barns and pens, faced unimaginable horrors as the floodwaters rose around them. Many animals perished, but some precious souls managed to escape. It is our mission now to ensure the animals we rescued didn’t just survive — they must thrive.
Rescuing the Forgotten Victims
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the need for experienced animal rescuers was absolutely essential. While human survivors received immediate attention, countless animals remained stranded, injured, and without access to clean water or food. Our teams from Kinship Circle and Sister Kitten navigated through perilous floodwaters, debris-strewn roads, and collapsed structures to reach the animals who needed us most.
Many dogs and cats, once beloved companions, were abandoned as families callously fled without them. Other guardians were not able to access their animal companions. Terrified and alone, they were stuck on porches, inside flooded buildings, and tethered in backyards. Meanwhile, millions of farmed animals, often overlooked in disaster response efforts because they are victims of the animal agriculture industry, were left to face drowning, starvation, and toxic water exposure without the chance to escape.
One of our rescue stories from Asheville speaks to the heartbreak of the situation: a sweet mama cat and her five kittens were found huddled under a trailer, coated in mud, and starving. They were among the lucky ones to be rescued by our team. Now they need ongoing round-the-clock care until we can get them adopted in a safe, loving home.
The Need for Ongoing Support
Although our team has made significant progress, the situation remains dire. The region is still devastated: 5,000 homes and businesses are still without power, 450 roads remain closed, and clean water shortages are expected to persist for months. Animals who survived the initial storm are now facing new threats — the need for shelter, warmth, clean water, and ongoing veterinary care for their injuries.
We cannot do this without you. The animals we rescued all need shelter, food, and medical care until they can be safely reunited with their families or rehomed. With every passing day, more animals slip through the cracks, and we urgently need funds to continue our rescue mission.
- $25 provides temporary shelter to a stranded animal.
- $50 delivers much-needed food and water to animal survivors.
- $100 helps us reach remote areas with specialized vehicles that would otherwise be unreachable.
Time Is Running Out
As we continue our life-saving work, more disasters loom on the horizon. Our teams are prepared to face the next storm, and see this one through to the end — but we cannot do it alone. Your support today could be the difference between life and death for these innocent animals.
We are immensely grateful for your generosity and your compassion for animals in their darkest hour. Together, we can offer hope to the forgotten victims of these disasters and give them a chance at life again.
Please consider donating now to support these victims who have miraculously survived the worst suffering. Every dollar you give directly impacts the lives of animals who have no one else to rely on.
Thank you for standing with us during this critical time. Your donation today can make all the difference for Helene’s survivors. Please, be their hero and support our emergency rescue efforts.