St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is appealing for public assistance as it prepares for one of its largest animal relocation efforts to date, a mission that will see approximately 140 rescued dogs and cats transported from Dominica to partner rescue organisations in the United States.
The initiative, known as the “Freedom Flight,” is scheduled for June 13 and 14 and will provide the animals with opportunities for adoption and permanent homes through rescue networks in Miami and New York.
According to the organization, the operation comes at a particularly challenging time following a recent landslide that damaged access to the rescue facility. Heavy rainfall caused part of a mountainside to collapse, affecting the roadway leading to the shelter and disrupting access for staff, volunteers, and animal care operations.
The damaged route also forms part of the Waitukubuli National Trail through the Kalinago Territory, further increasing the impact on the surrounding community.
Despite these difficulties, rescue workers have continued preparations for the international transport programme, which is being coordinated with Wings of Rescue and partner shelters overseas.
“140 dogs and cats will fly with Wings of Rescue to rescue shelters in Miami and New York to be adopted,” a representative of the organization said while outlining the upcoming mission.
The organization is seeking volunteers, truck owners and drivers to assist with transportation and logistics between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Officials say community support will be essential to ensuring the animals reach the airport safely and on schedule.
St. Nicholas Animal Rescue noted that hundreds of animals continue to depend on the shelter for food, medical care and daily supervision, making reliable access to the facility a continuing concern following the landslide.
The organization says the Freedom Flight represents a chance for many animals that have spent extended periods in shelters to begin new lives with adoptive families, while also creating additional space and resources for future rescue efforts in Dominica.
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