East Palestine pets taken in by humane society when residents forced to evacuate derailment site

It’s all hands on deck at the Columbiana County Humane Society, where it’s near capacity with pets from East Palestine, Ohio.

Nearly 30 dogs were taken in when the evacuation order came in.

“It is a packed house. It’s pretty noisy,” said Erica Rice with the humane society. “It is very stressful for these dogs, who are used to being in family homes.”

Cages were placed in an office and in the garage to accommodate the additional dogs from East Palestine, where a train derailment Friday is still causing chaos.

Evacuees reached out to the humane society for help as most couldn’t take their pets with them to hotels.

“Yesterday was chaotic, said Teresa McGuire, shelter manager. “We had so many calls and we were running like crazy.”

When the train derailment happened, the humane society knew it had to do something. They’re concerned about the pets they couldn’t get to, that were left behind in their houses during Sunday’s evacuation.

“I’m worried about those animals. They’ve been without people for at least a couple days now,” Rice said. “That’s why we’re hoping they lift us and people can get home because I can’t get in ‘til authorities say it’s safe.”

For the humane society, community support has been overwhelming.

“It’s a little overwhelming and a bit humbling, I would say,” McGuire said. “Calls from different companies...We’ve had calls from different companies and companies asking what we need, what can we use.”

But the humane society is still in desperate need for volunteers to walk the dogs, and supplies such as dog food, tarps for outdoor kennels and straw for the mud. Monetary donations are also welcome.

If any East Palestine residents still need help with their pets, you can contact the Columbiana County Humane Society at 234-575-7177 or columbianacountyhumanesociety@gmail.com.

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