WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Just in time to start the new year, the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) welcomed a group of 50 at-risk dogs and cats from overcrowded Louisiana shelters on Thursday, Dec. 31. 

The special Wings of Rescue flight arrived at Crites Field in Waukesha Thursday morning. 

The lucky dogs and cats will head to HAWS and partner shelters Lakeshore and Jefferson County for a fresh start! 

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"You guys don't realize it because you live here. You're one of the most humane states in the country. It's between you and Washington. And you guys always welcome pets with open arms. You have tremendous shelters here like HAWS," said Ric Browde, president and CEO of Wings of Rescue. 

The animals will be available for adoption in the coming weeks after a few days at the shelter getting cleaned up and examined.