I too have wondered about the lack of coverage of animal rescues in the
areas devastated by Katrina.  Yes, you need to save people, and there
are thousands of people already doing just that.  But aside from the
emotional heartbreak suffered by owners who've had to leave their animals
behind when evacuating, or who had no idea that the waters would rise so
high, there are very real health and safety threats at issue here.
Desperate people can endanger themselves and others trying to rescue
their pets; animal carcasses contaminate the water supply and spread
disease.  And what will happen to the lost, injured and abandoned animals
whose owners are among the untold victims of Katrina?  They will need
shelter, medical care and help for future adoption.
 
A variety of animal rescue and humane organizations are prepped, on the
scene and waiting for permission to enter New Orleans to recover animal
survivors.  These organizations include the Emergency Animal Rescue
Service (EARS), which has 2,300 trained volunteers on alert nationwide
and expects to deploy some 800 people within the next few days.  They
will recover animals, provide emergency shelter, food and medical care,
and facilitate adoption for those animals whose owners are unable or
unwilling to take them back.  You can get more information here:
http://www.uan.org/ears/action_report.html
 
In Lafayette, Louisiana, Lafayette Parish Animal Control is operating an
animal shelter where evacuees can bring their pets.  Official report that
the shelter has food, water, crates, cages, bedding and newspaper, but
that pet owners are responsible for providing care to their own animals.
The shelter is at Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette, Louisiana, right next
to the Cajundome.  Please call Lafayette Parish Animal Control at (337)
291-5644 for more information.
 
This message was posted today on the EARS website:
"Anyone who is requesting a rescue of an animal should call EARS
headquarters at (916) 429-2457 or send an e-mail to [log in to unmask]
Indicate clearly in your call/email that you are REQUESTING ANIMAL
RESCUE.  Be prepared to provide the following:
 
 Address, City, State & Zip code where animal is located
 Number, species and description of animal
 Directions to the house and landmarks
 Permission to enter the house.
 Name and contact information of caller."
 
(The phones and message lines are busy as heck, but if you can't get
through, please keep trying...)
 
"If EARS cannot perform the rescue, we are making sure that local
emergency authorities are aware of these needs, asking that they make
it a priority."
 
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Disaster Animal Response
Team is also ready with trailers full of food, water, medicine, cages,
veterinarians, horse and livestock trucks, etc.  Like other agencies,
HSUS is just waiting for permission to enter the stricken areas and begin
saving animals.  More info here:
 
<http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/
recent_activities_and_information/animal_disaster_teams_respond_to_
hurricane_katrina_massive_flooding.html>
 
And here:
<http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/
the_hsus_disaster_animal_response_team_deploys_to_hurricane_zone.html>
 
Good luck and heartfelt best wishes to everyone recovering from the
hurricane!
 
Ollie and Mina
Proud ferret companions of Susann, George, Malerie and Carolyn
[Posted in FML issue 4988]