Government Search & Rescue Agencies Reportedly Authorized to Rescue Pets

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http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=52959

U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard Respond to Pleas to Help Animals; Government Search & Rescue Agencies Reportedly Authorized to Rescue Pets

9/8/2005 6:20:00 PM
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To: National Desk

Contact: Karen L. Allanach of the Humane Society of the United States, 301-548-7778; 301-442-6658 or [e-mail]

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The United States Coast Guard and National Guard troops have begun to allow pets to accompany people who are being evacuated from New Orleans. Their efforts will help The Humane Society of the United States disaster animal response teams and other animal responders who are in Louisiana and Mississippi working desperately to save as many pets as possible as time runs out for animals.

The task is overwhelming even for the combined efforts of all of the animal welfare groups in the Gulf region. It will take the augmenting of rescue forces to respond to the tens of thousands of animals in need. Yesterday, The HSUS issued a plea to federal, state and local agencies for help to rescue the thousands of animals in distress in the afflicted areas.

Disaster Animal Response Teams working with The HSUS and other organizations to rescue animals in Louisiana and Mississippi have made significant progress in the last 24 hours.

"Our representatives in New Orleans called in late yesterday with the good news that National Guard troops are becoming involved with animal rescues and the U.S. Coast Guard is allowing evacuees to bring their pets with them from the flood-ravaged city," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. "We've also heard reports that rescuers have been allowed to break into storm-damaged properties to rescue animals in dire need of assistance."

The HSUS teams have been involved with more than 1,000 animal rescues in Louisiana and Mississippi to date.

1-800-HUMANE-1 or http://www.hsus.org

In one dramatic rescue, a humane officer went to find a pit bull mix trapped under a house that was on fire. Just as a helicopter dumped water on the blaze, the humane officer ran through smoke and fire and found the dog tethered underneath a house where he had wound himself tightly around the PVC piping.

The officer determined the dog posed no threat and was working to cut him loose when the dog jumped on him and started licking his face. A leash was slipped over his head, the tether was cut off, and the lucky dog was escorted back through the haze and heat to the cool comfort of the animal control truck.

In yet another emotional rescue, a disaster relief team found seven stranded cats in a fetid and scorching apartment. Several of the cats cowered in the bathroom and two were hidden under a bed. All were safely rescued and put on the air-conditioned animal control truck.

"I don't think that there is anything that can compare to this disaster for animals," said David Pauli, HSUS regional director who is with the New Orleans team and has been doing emergency response for animals for 30 years. "This rescue mission will set the standard by which all responders will be trained for future disasters."

In Mississippi, an animal disaster hotline is in operation. The number is 1-888-722-3106. A pet-friendly shelter has been established in Barn 8 at the Jackson, Miss. fairgrounds.

In the New Orleans area, many animals have already been removed from the city or evacuated with their families ahead of the storm, but The HSUS has logged over 2,000 reports of animals in need of help. Teams in the field are responding to those reports and picking up a large number of animals on rooftops and other locations. Those animals are being moved to a temporary shelter in Gonzales, La. where they are evaluated and identified. Each animal will be tracked to facilitate reunions with their families.

More than 250 people are now in Louisiana and Mississippi rescuing and caring for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina and animal control officers, veterinary technicians, and other professionals from around the country have answered the call for help and are streaming into the disaster zone to lend their skills in animal rescue, humane handling, sheltering to the historic effort to save the animals.

At The HSUS' offices in the Washington area, staff and volunteers are answering phone calls, organizing deliveries of supplies and equipment, and coordinating efforts in the field. The organization has received an unprecedented number of phone calls and emails from people around the world who are concerned about the plight of the animals.

For more information on how to volunteer with this effort or to donate, go to http://www.hsus.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country.

Media

Contact: Karen L. Allanach [phone], (301) 442- 6658, [e-mail]

Want to help pets and other animals hurt by Hurricane Katrina? Please donate to HSUS's Disaster Rescue Teams today. Go to https://secure.hsus.org/01/disaster_relief_fund_2005.

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