Southwest Airlines rescues 64 animals from Hurricane Harvey devastation

Southwest Airlines has stepped into save over 60 animals that faced euthanasia after the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey - by flying them to San Diego.

The airline teamed up with the Helen Woodward Animal Centre (HWAC) in San Diego after the devastating Hurricane in Houston left many rescue centres overcrowded with displaced animals.

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The centre said the animals faced being euthanised if a solution was not found.

A host of gorgeous photos showing the animals on the flight have been shared on social media.

The animals were among the hundreds being cared for at an emergency shelter called Operation Pets Alive. The orphaned animals were previously being held in shelters around the Houston area but were displaced by the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Speaking to the Dallas News, Mike Arms, HWAC president, said: "There are shelters that have been devastated by Hurricane Harvey, without electricity, without supplies.

"Operation Pets Alive has taken in an overwhelming number of orphan dogs and cats who had inhabited those shelters before the storm and were suddenly facing euthanasia simply because they had no place to go."

According to the Telegraph, a Southwest spokesman said: "We're so happy to partner with the Helen Woodward Animal Centre to extend hope to Houston by transporting shelter animals to a new home in San Diego, while making additional space for family pets whose humans are currently displaced.

"Our employees care so deeply for our customers and all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, including our sweet little four-legged friends."

Helen Woodward herself kept followers up to date and thanked everyone for their help in the rescue.

Now the animals will be looking for their forever homes.