Facing flooding and roof collapse, NC shelter needs help to evacuate 123 animals

The Carteret County Humane Society was taking on water. Its roof was collapsing.

The shelter needed immediate help to evacuate 123 dogs and cats along with three staff members, shelter manager Cassandra Tupaj told The News & Observer at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Cajun Navy said on Twitter Friday night that it had assisted in evacuating the animals and staff members and that the shelter was clear.

Shelter manager Cassandra Tupaj could not immediately be reached to confirm the rescue as of 10 p.m. Friday.

“We have had 2 direct confirmations that animals were removed,” the Cajun Navy tweeted at 8:26 p.m. Friday. “The animals have been rescued we have triple checked to make sure.”

The animals were transported to “a local animal rescue,” the Cajun Navy tweeted, though it was unclear exactly where as of 10 p.m. Friday.

Even after the rescue, Tupaj said the shelter will need a place to house the animals.

The shelter needed a place, like a large business nearby, that could temporarily hold the 43 dogs and 80 cats.

If you can safely lend a hand, contact Tupaj at 603-662-8544 or message the shelter on Facebook.

The Cajun Navy was on its way to help with the evacuation as of 7:30 p.m., Tupaj said, but were looking for transportation out of the area.

When flooding began, shelter staff moved to the second floor, but became trapped and now the roof is in danger of caving in, Tupaj said.

To donate to the shelter, click here.