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]