ASPCA animal rescue of Katrina
Efforts to help the animal victims of Katrina continue round-the-clock here at the ASPCA. In addition to our hands-on, on-site work, which you can read about in our Rescue Diary, the ASPCA has built two databases--the first to help families find their lost pets, and a second for individuals who'd like to volunteer their services for recovery efforts.
Your donation will go directly to help the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. To lend your support, please click on the Donate Now button. We will keep you informed of recovery efforts on our website, ASPCA.org. Thank you for any amount you can give today. Thanks to all of you who have given so generously.
And remember, you can always keep updated on the situation on our website.
Morning Update, September 5:
Click here to see photos taken at the Austin evacuation center.
The ASPCA has received at least 50 emails and calls regarding 50 to 150 animals stranded on the roof of the Windy Boggs Medical Center (AKA Murphy's Animal Hospital) on North Jefferson Davis Parkway in New Orleans. The animals are pets belonging to hospital staff, cared for by one dedicated doctor who purportedly refused to be evacuated with the other staff members. As a result, he and the animals were quickly running out of food and water.
As of Monday morning, a caravan of animal control vehicles, zodiac boats, equipment and personnel from groups including ASPCA, HSUS, Code 3, ARL of Boston and the Louisiana SPCA were en route to New Orleans to rescue the animals from Murphy’s Animal Hospital. The caravan will also pick up any animals they find stranded along the route.
The ASPCA and other organizations, including HSUS, Best Friends, Petfinder.com, are working to identify and log pets in need of rescue in affected areas. A database is being compiled and provided to animal rescuers, and will be posted on Petfinder.com shortly.
Louisiana
Good news! Thirty-five dogs have been loaded onto the Rescue Waggin in Gonzales, and are on their way to safe haven at the Houston SPCA! Additionally, 75 dogs have been rescued from the Superdome.
Karen Medicus with Max, the first dog reunited with his very happy owners.
Austin, Texas
Good news from the Austin evacuation center, where the first evacuee dog has been reunited with his owner! This puppy's guardian is a 14-year-old girl, who arrived at the Austin evacuation center with her family members. The puppy was a gift from her father, whose whereabouts are unknown at this time.
The Austin Humane Society (AHS), in conjunction with The City of Austin Town Lake Animal Center and the ASPCA, has 75 evacuated animals in temporary care. Staffers are still working around the clock at relief facilities to help provide evacuee pets with a safe haven. AHS has set up a Pet Hotline (512-646-PETS) for evacuees moving to Austin who need to find care, placement and supplies for their family pets. Eight pets have now been reunited with their displaced owners.
