I am posting this which was sent to me, many of us need to write or call
soon.
 
Hundreds of Animals Dying While Groups Await Permission to Administer
Urgently Needed Aid
 
Project Hope, a project of the international animal protection
organization, In Defense of Animals (IDA), is calling on state officials
to allow animal protection groups permission to enter disaster stricken
areas of Mississippi.  The group, which has set up a rescue and recovery
effort at the County Fairgrounds in Jackson along with Mississippi
Emergency Response for Animals (MEPA) and the Disaster Animal Response
Team (DART) to help animals affected by Hurricane Katrina, is prepared to
venture into areas affected by the storm and deliver medical assistance
and supplies, yet is being halted by the Emergency Operations Center
(EOC).
 
"We understand we could be facing dangerous situations and that
precautions need to be taken.  We appreciate measures being taken to
ensure our safety," says Project Hope Director, Doll Stanley.  "But we
are sitting here in a parking lot with a truckload of supplies waiting
for permission to utilize our resources while animals are dying for
lack of food and water."
 
The Project Hope team secured a generous donation of supplies for the
rescue operation from PETsMART charities including food, carriers and
crates to house animals at the rescue center, as well as to transport
animals to shelters and foster homes.  While the group awaits permission
to use the highway to help animals in need, news media outlets are
reporting distraught evacuees being forced to leave their beloved animal
companions behind and some even having animals euthanized for fear of
their welfare once turned over to authorities.
 
Please contact the following state officials and politely urge them to
allow IDA and other animal protection organizations into stricken areas
and administer their much-needed assistance.  Be sure to thank them for
taking necessary precautions, but let them know that it is time to allow
rescue workers who are willing to risk their safety do what they came
to do.
 
 
    Congressman Chip Pickering
    110-D Airport Rd
    Pearl, MS 39208
    Tel.: (601) 932-2410
    Online comment form: http://www.house.gov/pickering/Form.htm
 
    James Watson, D.V.M., Director
    Mississippi State Board of Animal Health
    P.O. Box 3889
    Jackson, MS 39207
    Tel.: (601) 359-1160
    Fax:  (601) 359-1177
    Email: [log in to unmask]
 
    Governor Haley Barbour
    P.O. Box 139
    Jackson, MS 39205
    Tel.: (601) 359-3150
    Fax:  (601) 359-3741
 
IDA has established a Hurricane Katrina Animal Relief Fund to finance
transportation, food for animals and volunteers, and to repair the damage
done by the storm at the Project Hope sanctuary.  Any funds exceeding the
Project Hope team's expenses will be donated directly to the Louisiana
SPCA in New Orleans, which has been hit hard by the storm.  IDA is
accepting donations to support its relief efforts on its web site or by
mail.  Send checks to:
Hurricane Relief, c/o In Defense of Animals, 131 Camino Alto,
Mill Valley, CA 94941.
[Posted in FML issue 4991]