A mechanical failure caused three dogs to suffocate while they were being transported from the Hall County Animal Shelter to New York for an adoption event.

Those transporting the dogs discovered the problem at their first stop at about 8 p.m. Friday night.

"We had a mechanical failure with one of the power sources for the trailer, but we were able to get everything straightened out," said Mike Ledford, director of the shelter. "And they ... should be just about getting there by now with all but three of the dogs."

The shelter staff was taking 50 dogs to an adoption event hosted by Best Friends Pet Care in White Plains, N.Y. There is a shortage of stray pets in many northern states.