50 Unwanted Dogs From Local Shelter Get New Homes In Pacific Northwest

Around 50 lost, abandoned and abused dogs are going to new homes for the holidays and beyond when they're flown out of Riverside today for a roughly 1,000-mile journey to the Pacific Northwest.

The canines are being taken out of the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, loaded aboard a cargo plane at Riverside Municipal Airport and transported north, according to county Department of Animal Services spokesman John Welsh.

"The dogs are ... destined for rescue group organizations, foster homes and nonprofit shelters," Welsh said.

Groups on the receiving end include Collar of Hope, Luvabull, Oregon Dog Rescue, Puget Sound Rescue, Rescuing Animals in Need and Safe Haven Humane, according to Welsh.

He said funding for the flight was obtained through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' "Rescue Ride" program and Subaru's "Share the Love" campaign.

The Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team, based in Los Angeles, is coordinating the effort, Welsh said, adding that the flight was slated to depart Riverside Municipal Airport around 10 a.m.