Press Release

ASPCA Receives Homeless Pooches from California in “Operation Chihuahua”

Airlifted Dogs from San Francisco Soon to be Available for Adoption

January 05,2010

ASPCA Media Contact

WHAT:

On Wednesday, January 6, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) will receive 15 Chihuahuas from the City of San Francisco Animal Care & Control. In-cabin transportation has been donated by Virgin America airlines. The dogs will be made available for adoption later next week after receiving full behavioral and medical assessments. A special hotline has been set up for potential adopters who may have inquiries: (212) 876-7700 ext. 3210.

WHY:

The massive overpopulation of Chihuahuas in California is forcing animal shelters there to identify areas where there is a demand for these dogs. “In New York City there is high demand for small dogs, like Chihuahuas,” says Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Adoptions Center. “We are glad to be given this opportunity to help meet demand for Chihuahuas in New York and at the same time help find loving homes for San Francisco’s homeless animals.”

WHO:

Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Adoptions Center
Arthur Hazlewood, Senior Director, ASPCA Adoptions Center

WHEN:

JFK Airport arrival: Wednesday, January 6 beginning at 4:00 p.m. (The dogs will be arriving on two consecutive flights that day.)
**If you plan to cover the hand off at JFK Airport, please RSVP to ASPCA media contacts in advance for security pre-clearance and directions**

ASPCA Adoptions Center arrival: Wednesday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Virgin America
JFK International Airport
Jamaica, NY

ASPCA Adoptions Center
424 East 92nd Street (between First and York Avenues)
New York, NY

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Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

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