WASHINGTON -- Many of the pets abandoned in the wake of Hurricane Katrina were rescued by the Washington Animal Rescue League and now reside in the Washington area, including some at the world's only cageless animal shelter.

WARL rescued about 1,800 dogs and cats and brought back 75 to the D.C. area for adoption.

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"These dogs have been through a life of misery prior to getting here, as well as the cats," said WARL Executive Director Scotlund Haisley. "Now, they've been in a shelter where they're in transition."

Veterinarians have treated special needs of the animals, including a new and growing group of puppies.

"The puppies are a result of Hurricane Katrina," Haisley said. "As you can imagine, these dogs are running loose. The ones who did escape from homes are running loose in the streets of New Orleans, and what they're doing is breeding because most of them aren't spayed or neutered."

Dr. Janet Rosen, a WARL veterinarian, said many of the animals have heartworms or intestinal worms and most of them are traumatized.

"Some of them are not very well socialized, so we provide whatever they need," she said. "They all feel like it's home here."

The animals' new home is about to get a whole new look and feel.

Starting this weekend, WARL will become the first cageless shelter in the world. A $4 million renovation will allow the shelter to house twice as many animals in a more comfortable setting with better lighting and fresher air.

More Information:

• Washington Animal Rescue League