(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 1, 2017) – About a dozen felines awaiting new homes at the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found temporary shelter in Gwinnett today.

The Gwinnett County Animal Shelter agreed to take in about 12 of the more than 100 cats and kittens the Atlanta Humane Society brought to Georgia to help the Houston shelter make room for animals that were displaced by Hurricane Harvey. These pets are ready for adoption and need to find new permanent homes.

The shelter at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville was already at capacity after a local hoarding case brought in 10 dogs. Last week officials extended reduced-price adoptions for both dogs and cats through September to reduce crowding. You can now adopt a cat that’s been vaccinated, microchipped and spayed/neutered for $10 or a dog for $30.

"We're so proud of our animal welfare community here in Georgia for coming together and showing the true spirit of the South", said Tracy Reis, director of operations at the Atlanta Humane Society. "Gwinnett County immediately stepped right up to help take in adoptable cats from the Houston transport, enabling these animals to land somewhere safe and provide space back in Houston for lost and displaced animals."

“We’re happy to be working in partnership with the Atlanta Humane Society to support animal welfare groups in Texas,” said Cindy Wiemann, assistant manager of Gwinnett’s animal shelter. “We need help from our local residents and rescue groups to care for these animals that are now here in our community, and I know from experience that we can count on them.”

In addition to the shelter’s efforts, the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is collecting donations of dog and cat food and litter through Monday to be sent to Houston. Collection boxes are in the jail lobby, open 24/7, at 2900 University Parkway in Lawrenceville.

More on the Gwinnett shelter is at www.gwinnettanimalwelfare.com or 770-339-3200. It will be closed to the public on Monday for the Labor Day holiday.