The Dying Pets of NOLA *** New Action Alert!!! *** 9/22 (Graphic)

[nicknameless]

A STORY OF BETRAYAL

In the aftermath of Katrina, tens of thousands of pets were separated from their owners -- their human families -- and left to die. Those that could have and should have intervened on these pets’ behalf, have done little or nothing.

Governor Blanco has National Guard troops at her disposal. Thousands of phone calls, faxes and emails to her office, imploring her to dispatch these Guards to rescue the animals have gone ignored. Many of these troops are busy guarding property, while the animals of NOLA are dying.

Thousands more calls, faxes and emails have gone out to the White House, pleading for the Military to be assigned this life-saving duty. Again, people’s pleas have been ignored.

Some members of Congress are supporting a letter, drafted by Senators Santorum and Ensign, that points out the serious public health hazard that could be created by dead and decomposing animal carcasses, and urges that a massive pet evacuation operation be implemented. How has this affected the animal rescue effort? It hasn’t. No action has been taken.

How many pets, in St. Bernard Parish alone, have died? There were reports and even a videotape of police shooting defenseless, nonaggressive dogs. The tape also showed a weakened dog struggling to get out of the way of a police vehicle. The driver of the vehicle made no attempt to avoid the animal, running it over instead.

The St. Bernard dog is an international symbol of rescue, yet the animals of St. Bernard as well as other Parishes are largely going unrescued, and are being allowed to slowly starve to death.

Some claim that there simply aren’t guidelines for the rescue of animals in the event of a natural disaster. That claim is patently false. Local, State and Federal government policies regarding animal evacuation do exist. However, NONE of them were implemented.




POLICIES AND GUIDELINES THAT WEREN'T FOLLOWED


1. FEMA’s Animal Health Resources
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/508-1_animal_health_resources.pdf
This 20-page document, lays out formal guidelines for rescuing animals and states:

“Type 1 Incident Management Team would be activated in a federally-declared disaster and/or for incidents of national significance."

Really? Where are they?



2. The City of New Orleans Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
http://tinyurl.com/9p9bw
Page 10, (Section F) of this plan instructs New Orleans' Animal Care and Control to coordinate animal rescue operations
with the New Orleans SPCA.
This was not done.



3. Louisiana’s Emergency Evacuation Guide
(Part VII)
http://www.lsp.org/evacguide.html

“If you are a pet owner, your family's disaster plan must include your pets. In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the best thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too.”

Nowhere does it state that residents being evacuated will be forced to abandon their pets at gunpoint.
Yet that is what happened in many cases after Katrina.



4. Horseman’s Guide
http://lahg.net/EMERGENCY%20PAGES/evacuationsites.html
Even this resource lists evacuation shelters for horses and small animals. It also lists Emergency Managers of the LA Parishes.

“When a hurricane is threatening, contact the head of your local office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness or Civil Defense (Emergency Managers/Directors) to find out more information about options for livestock in your parish.”

Where were these “Managers”? Why were tens of thousands of animals left to die?



The following article appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle on September 16th.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/09/16/BAGSGEOO6D1.DTL

Pet-rescue policy needed, Humane Society head says
Current rules forced owners to leave animals behind

<snip>

Both FEMA and the Coast Guard said Thursday their mandate was to preserve human life under trying circumstances. Coast Guard Cmdr. Brendan McPherson said rescuing animals was unfamiliar turf.

"In most cases the animal we come across under normal conditions ... the owner would be there," he said. "We're not trained in rescuing animals."

Both agencies said commanders of the crews on scene had the discretion to rescue animals or pass them by.

"This should not be a matter of individual acts of compassion," Pacelle said. "It should be a matter of policy."

<snip>

Beyond the misleading title of the article, representatives of both FEMA and the Coast Guard now admit that they had the *CHOICE* to rescue animals or leave them to die. After weeks of claiming that their hands were tied, that the Governor or the White House needed to give the word in order for them to take action, we now learn that they had a choice all along.

The DOD has provided some help at the behest of LA state agencies such as Dept of Agriculture and the State Vet. And caring individuals in the military have also aided the animal recovery effort. Sadly, they are but a handful, while a massive-scale evacuation is what’s needed.

Most of the pet recoveries so far have been conducted by small groups of dedicated individuals. Unfortunately these groups have run into miles of red tape, mostly put in place by the state. They have also run into “authorities,” who have frequently turned them away and prevented their access into areas where thousands of pets were slowly dying.

In the early days after Katrina hit, reporters at the scene wrote that the only sound in NOLA, was the crying and wailing of dogs and cats. Now NOLA is becoming still. This is not because the animals have been saved.

There were an estimated 50,000 abandoned pets in the area. To this date, just over 5,000 have been rescued. That leaves approximately 45,000 left behind, starving, dying unimaginably agonizing deaths. Waiting. And waiting. For rescue. And increasingly ... waiting in vain.

Finally, nearly four weeks after Katrina made landfall in New Orleans, rescuers are gaining access to the 9th ward. And they are discovering unspeakable horrors. Animals that drowned. Others that starved to death or succumbed in the scorching heat. Some, miraculously still cling to life.

These pets needn’t have suffered –- let alone died -- had those so-called “authorities,” responsible for overseeing and assuring their rescue, just done their damned jobs. Or at least, not prevented others from doing it for them.

This massive animal kill in NOLA is no less than a full-blown holocaust. And it was entirely preventable. Human beings have committed a betrayal of untold proportions against these pets.

Dogs have long been described as “man’s best friend.” Never has a friendship been revealed to be more glaringly and tragically one-sided.



ACTION TO TAKE

1. Blast the Media and demand that they report the truth instead of sanitizing the issue and airing only the feel-good fluff
and happy reunion stories. Let them know that animal evacuation policies exist, but were ignored.
The truth needs to get out, and these callous, do-nothing miscreants in charge need to be shamed into action.

Great DU media blasters can be found at the links below. If you know of others, please use them.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=106x22579
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=106x8816#8820



2. Continue calling and writing (email and fax) your Senators and your Congressional Representative, and urge them to join Senators Santorum and Ensign in this desperately needed effort. Ask that they support the letter asking the Federal Government to assist with animal rescues.



THE HEROES

Those tireless rescuers who are completely deserving of support. Below is a list of my favorites. These people run on adrenaline and a driving compassion, with almost no sleep or warm meals. Pasado just reported that two of their rescuers had to be hospitalized for dehydration, as conditions there are almost intolerable.

http://www.PasadoSafeHaven.org
http://www.BestFriends.com
http://www.iberiahumane.com
http://www.arfla.org
http://www.projectstarfish.org



The larger organizations have been raking in millions of dollars, but the small rescue groups are the ones that have been busting their butts to save every animal possible. These small groups also aren’t responsible for the snarls of red-tape that are costing animals’ lives.

Also note: LSU “lost” 8,000 lab animals to Katrina. ... Many were allowed to drown or die of starvation. The rest were euthanized.





Thank you

[Barack_America]

1. Thank you. This is so truly heartbreaking...

Remember this the next time you donate to the Red Cross as well.

It is because the Red Cross doesn't allow pets at their shelters that so many of these animals were left to suffer and die...alone.

[Coventina]

2. Right. I donated to Red Cross, now I regret it.

Never again.

[femrap]

36. If you gave via a credit card.....

call the credit card company and tell them you were duped.....cancel the payment!!!!! Please....and then give your money to SPCA, OK?

Raise a stink...that's what I did! Told them I would cancel my credit card....

[Coventina]

74. Unfortunately, it was a cash donation.

Another mistake I won't make again.

[TankLV]

41. Same here. I was suspicious after the repukes politicized it with Liddy

Dole, among others, but I gave in spite of my unfortunately well founded reservations.

I will never make that mistake again.

[EFerrari]

16. The Red Cross is now on my permanent sh#t list

But, lots of people are mobilizing around this. My Green party lists gladly put out all the calls for help I forwarded and you better know that every animal rescue group worth its salt is on this.

We'll get it done.

[AgadorSparticus]

18. they will be hearing from me. i donated hundreds of dollars to them

in the past couple of weeks and i am regretting it.

[Barack_America]

3. More pics...WARNING!! The truth is never pretty...

http://www.projectstarfish.org/photos7.php

How could we allow this to happen?

[nicknameless]

4. Hi Kristi -- Thanks for that link

I got half of the pics I posted from ProjectStarFish. It's all so horrible. And look at the streets in those photos. They look sunny and peaceful. Why weren't people allowed back into their homes to save their pets for god's sake.

I am unbelievably pissed to find out that every single level of govt. had guidelines for evacuating pets, but no one did a f'ing thing!

:cry:

[Radio_Lady]

30. I am a former dog trainer and breeder, and I still love animals.

We don't currently have any pets, because we are busy with grandchildren and we travel a great deal.

This site has moved me to tears. I just can't imagine the tears, all around -- the families who lost beloved pets, and the pets who were "tortured" in this fashion.

Does anyone have information on how the current evacuation in the affected communities is going? Are people taking their pets? What about horses and larger animals?

Oh, the pain... I have to stop. But it was important to see all of this.

[nicknameless]

34. If by "affected communities" you mean NOLA, I don't know.

Nagin was going to allow people to go back to their homes -- which would have saved an untold number of pets, but now it's more forced evacuations because of Rita.

:cry:

[shireen]

7. Very powerful

people must see this. it must never ever happen again.

[OhioChick]

8. Awwwww........

:cry:

The black dog really got to me. Those poor animals.

[peacebuzzard]

54. Blow you away chronicles of rescue work.

These people are incredible.

[ernstbass]

5. This is devestating

I'm so sick of people takng up for Gov Blanco around here - her actions (or lack of) are reprehensible. Thank you for posting this as heartbreaking as it is. And isn't it interesting that someone like Santorum will take this on - where are our Dems? (It was also a repug - Allen - who introduced the antifreeze legislation -putting a bittering agent in it to prevent animals deaths)

[nicknameless]

6. Well, repugs may be completely nuts about a lot of things,

but all of the ones I know are totally devoted to their pets.

This issue is the most nonpartisan I can think of.

[sando]

70. Not in Midland Texas

I recently saw in the Midland Reporter Telegram a letter to the editor ridiculing people who refused to leave New Orleans without their animals. The letter writer continued ranting on that pets shouldn't be a concern when people were in danger, and people who refused to leave without their pets were basically nuts. Midland TX for those that don't know is a Bush and very much a freeper stronghold. So maybe some freepers love their pets but my hunch is they'd do as told and just leave their animals behind if told they coudln't take their pets to safety.

[fudge stripe cookays]

75. Hell...

Midland Texas...I've seen those sentiments HERE the last few weeks.

And it makes me sick.
FSC

[nicknameless]

77. Took the words right out of my keyboard

:(

[Barack_America]

9. New Legislation Update!!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050922/ap_on_go_co/katrina_pets_hk4_1

Bill Would Require Safety Plans for Pets By ELIZABETH WHITE, Associated Press Writer
55 minutes ago



WASHINGTON - Federal disaster grants to state and local governments should be conditioned on how they accommodate pets in their evacuation plans, say lawmakers disturbed that some Hurricane Katrina victims refused to leave home because they couldn't take their animals with them.


"I cannot help but wonder how many more people could have been saved had they been able to take their pets," Rep. Tom Lantos (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif., said Thursday.

Lantos and Reps. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., and Barney Frank, D-Mass., are sponsoring a bill that would require that state and local disaster preparedness plans required for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding include provisions for household pets and service animals.

More than 6,000 pets have been saved in Mississippi and Louisiana, said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, but tens of thousands more could still be in New Orleans alone. Texas, he said, has been better at allowing people to take their pets with them ahead of Hurricane Rita but a formal policy is still needed.

"We cannot rely on individual acts of compassion," Markarian said.

Holly Hazard, executive director of the Doris Day Animal League, said there are 4,000 outstanding requests to rescue pets more than three weeks after Katrina hit."




Ummm, I wonder if they know that FEMA supposedly already had a "plan"? The problem is not planning, it's action, which apparently government agencies are incapable of!

Trying to come up with a solution to this problem keeps me up at night. nicknameless, you sound like an action person, why don't you send me an e-mail and let's see if we can start something better up. There are people on nola.com who are with us.

[iconoclastic cat]

10. checking in at DU kick

This situation is wrenching. I hope we don't have even more of this in Texas when Rita hits.

[Barack_America]

11. Good News About Rita

Many Texas officials seem to be realizing that some brave and selfless people would rather take their chances with their pets than leave without them.

As a result, pets are being allowed on buses and crates provided for them. Unfortunately, the Red Cross still has its head up its ass and has yet to make provisions for these pets when they reach their destination.

[sando]

72. The one thing

That will get the Red Cross's attention is if a boycott of contributions is begun regarding their treatment of pets and their owners.

[nicknameless]

60. Hi IconCat

It does sound like people in Texas may have learned some lessons from the fiasco in NOLA. And officials are taking notice too.

I was sad to read today that Pasado is sending some of their people into Texas. The furbabies of NOLA have gone nearly a month in need of rescue. I hope folks at Pasado change their minds.

[Barack_America]

12. Please nominate...worthy post! n/t

[Barack_America]

13. One more??

[Mairead]

14. Done!

[EFerrari]

15. Thanks so much for this thread.

Who knows how many have already died because of FEMA's insane policy. In most places, it is a CRIME to abandon an animal.

We've been supporting the Human Society's rescue efforts and I see you've posted others that are unfamiliar to me.

Thank you.

[Barack_America]

19. It is a crime in Louisiana

Unfortunately, it was a crime that government officials and the Red Cross FORCED many people to commit. What assholes.

[EFerrari]

21. Un effen believable.

What is THE MATTER with these people? Really, the total disregard for life in any form has been overwhelming and nakedly so. I can't even think of a term that measures these horrible bastards.

[Barack_America]

23. Term: Republican?? Just Kidding n/t

[nicknameless]

46. FEMA's policy is to rescue animals.

They just didn't follow their own policy ... much like they didn't with humans.

... It's also against the law in Louisiana to abandon a pet.

The Humane Society, I'm afraid to say (at least the HSUS) has been a huge part of the problem. I'll post more on that later.
In short, their rules and red tape cost many animals their lives.

I strongly endorse the little guys on this one. You might want to check out this Pasado link:
http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/NEWS.htm

[EFerrari]

52. Okay. This really does look like the "little guys" are going

to be most effective. There's no track for this work and so the bureaucrats are flailing.

Thank god for people with a brain and a self starting gear.

[AgadorSparticus]

17. I'll be writing some more letters. Thanks for posting this.

:kick:

[Mutley]

20. The black dog looks like one of my dogs...

:cry:

I donated what I could to a couple different animal rescues that have been down there.

[nicknameless]

42. I'm so sorry.

It must be horribly painful to look at. It was very difficult to post photos of dead pets on this thread.
But people need to know the truth.


:hug: for you and your baby

[Mutley]

81. Oh no, it's fine.

In the first instant I saw that picture my dog came to mind and it brought it home to me how awful it must be for these people who have lost their animals. It helps me, though, to really appreciate the time I have with my dogs.

[electropop]

22. Done!

National and Local and Congressman.

[CrispyQ]

24. Kicked & nominated.

For those who complain that animal lovers like animals more than people, well, here's the justification for that.

When we behave with only our own interests & self-preservation in mind, we have lost our humanity. I believe as a country we are losing our humanity & all will suffer, human & animal.

[femrap]

37. repeat after me....

animals good; people bad. I have never met an animal I disliked....people, on the other hand.....I hate the Red Cross, which is run by some huge repug woman...who is not getting food and water to the people who need it...damn it.

[sando]

80. Red Cross

The woman is a Bush appointee so why should we expect her to do anything other than what she has done which to date is just collect the money. I would sure like to see the accounting for the 9/11 monies that were sent to allegedly help the survivors make ends meet. My guess is very little if any of it ever made it's way to the widows and widowers of the NYFD and NYPD

[dusty64]

67. I too am SO

sick and disgusted with the extreme wrongwings "culture of life". This whole mess has made me very sad and angry. Those poor animals, I can hardly bear to think of it anymore. I donated to some of these groups, wish I could do more. I considered going down to the shelter there to volunteer, but can't afford the $500 in gas to drive there and back. VERY frustrating.

[Jo March]

25. That cat - he looks just like my Jasper

Oh, fuck. I am going to have to leave now because I'm crying again!

I have sent this to a friend of mine who does Golden Retriever rescue. I'm hoping that she can help to send this to others who can help, too.

I will media blast this sucker out.

Those animals - depending on their humans and we have let them down, either on purpose or because of the horrible situations that we are forced to make.

[nicknameless]

39. I'm so sorry.

Blast away. These bastards must be shamed into saving the pets that are still clinging to life.


:hug: for you and your Jasper

[Barack_America]

26. kick. Rita evacuees...take your pets with you!!

This is what happens when you leave them to be rescued by somebody else!!

[SomewhereOutThere424]

27. Disguisting and apalling

But I never accounted for the faux cross or FailureEMA for rescuing them, atleast, on order. I expect a lot of good people went against them and did help, even though we saw cameras of them passing the animals by. I'm sure a lot of bad happened, and for that bad, I blame the orginizations and people involved who went along with these atrocities. But I don't put it past some of the good ones to have disobeyed and helped animals. Hell, I would have.

I'll never forget the complete and utter disregard for life in hurricane katrina though, where it took 5 days to rescue people, and those who showed up couldn't care about the animals they passed by. I consider leaving someone or something you're capable of saving to die the equivelancy of murder, perhaps even worse.

I've said it once and I've said it again. I love those who showed compassion in this disaster, and am greatful that even orginizations who have bad reputations like PETA cared so much during it. But to the rest of the country, I am completely and totally ashamed of this country. To any single person capable of uttering the words 'we shouldn't rescue ________', get out of my country. Hell, they even went out of their way to save hardened criminals from prisons. Yet they couldn't even stop to save a starving puppy or kitten. What the hell is wrong with people? What have people become? Is reality television and video gaming really more important than saving the life of an animal?

:dilemma:

[IndyOp]

28. The only sound in NOLA

In the early days after Katrina hit, reporters at the scene wrote that the only sound in NOLA, was the crying and wailing of dogs and cats. Now NOLA is becoming still. This is not because the animals have been saved.

There were an estimated 50,000 abandoned pets in the area. To this date, just over 5,000 have been rescued. That leaves approximately 45,000 left behind, starving, dying unimaginably agonizing deaths. Waiting. And waiting. For rescue. And increasingly ... waiting in vain.

RAGE.

[justiceischeap]

63. Also another reason for the silence

Is that the animals are becoming too weak to cry out for help.

While I was down there, some agencies that were doing human search and rescue, mostly the National Guard and DEA, were indicating whether or not there were animals inside the homes. Whereas the Tobacco and Firearms Dept. did not. So any home marked with "TFW" needs to be checked. On my third day in the field, we came across a block of houses that had been checked by "TFW" and I saw what I thought was a dead pitbull laying outside. I had the driver stop our van and when I went to check the very pregnant momma was sitting on the matress staring at me. We ended up rescuing 4 animals from that small block and leaving food and water for another that was running at large.

There are so many animals out there that are surviving but many have perished due to heat, dehydration and/or starvation. The ones that have survived are in really bad shape and getting worse by the day.

[nicknameless]

66. Bless you for doing that work

:hug:

[CrispyQ]

73. Your post is absolutely heart breaking.

There are no words to describe my feelings when I think of those abandoned animals.

I seeth thinking of what we have become. What will it take for people to wake up & realize that we have become the monster that we fear.

[nicknameless]

110. .

:cry:

[Hissyspit]

29. Whenever anyone says we can't save the animals, they are lying.

It is an excuse.

[kool kitty streblin]

119. agree

i'm glad we have people who care, these folks warm my soul...

[illinoisman]

31. sad

sad

[Barack_America]

32. Kicking for evening crew....n/t

[Pithlet]

33. Just awful

:cry:

[Barack_America]

35. Kicking with Lamar-Dixon Update

from projectstarfish.org

LATEST NEWS

Thursday, September 22, 10:10PM ET UPDATE FROM LAMAR-DIXON: Laura, our volunteer from California, called in with a report of what is going on at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. The staff and volunteers who are caring for the animals are getting ready for Hurricane Rita.

Over the next 12 hours, approximately 400-500 animals will be leaving Lamar-Dixon on three big transports. They will be going to Monroe, LA, Dixon LA, and San Diego, CA. The remaining animals have been pushed into the center of the open-air barns where they will be more protected from the wind and rain. For further protection, the larger trucks and trailers are being parked around the barns. This “circling of the wagons” will also help block rain and wind.

The tent the volunteers are sleeping in will be taken down tomorrow morning and the people without cars (there are many) will have to spend their nights in the barns starting Friday night. There are several solid buildings in which the volunteers could seek shelter, but the owners of Lamar-Dixon will not allow them to be used by the animal volunteers. They are currently housing people displaced from Hurricane Katrina.

Laura says there are about 75 volunteers who are going ride out the storm and many staff people. Cynthia and Laura are two of the volunteers who are staying.

[EFerrari]

40. Unbelievable. Just when you think it can't get worse, it does.

Contact number for the Lamar-Dixon people? Maybe a phone campaign would help.

One thing about Bush. He got me over my phone shyness but good.

[Barack_America]

43. LOL! I hear that!

Earlier today I called the Red Cross and posed as a Galveston resident and said that I was considering not evacuating because they wouldn't take my pets at their shelter. The girl at the other end of the line was frantic.

I didn't mean to be deceptive. When I called she assumed that I was in Galveston and I just kind of went with it.

Maybe that's the key. Everybody who is staying because of their pets should call the Red Cross and let them know that it is because of them!!

[EFerrari]

45. Exactly!

You're nicer than I am. I wanted to call the RC and let them know exactly why I donated to the Humane Society instead of them.

So much for "shy".

lol

[nicknameless]

47. Hi, sfexpat2000

Just wanted to give you a bit of a heads-up about HSUS. They're a big part of the problem. (Also noted in my #46 to you.)
I'll post more about it a little later.

:hi:

[EFerrari]

51. Yikes. I better go read. Thanks for the heads up. n/t

[iconoclastic cat]

64. What do you mean by "frantic"? Did she try to talk you into leaving them?

[Barack_America]

91. Sorry for late reply...

..."Frantic" in the sense that she knew that I wasn't going to leave them and I was going to be in danger if I stayed.

I think the problem is that everyone assumes that shelters don't accept animals and don't even bother calling regarding policies. Things might change faster if they start getting phone calls from people refusing to evacuate. They probably don't even understand the scope of this problem up there in their ivory tower...

[justiceischeap]

65. Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Owner is a money-hungry POS

Word when I was there was that he wanted all the animal rescuers and the animals gone because FEMA and other Government agencies had offered him a shitload of money to set up a FEMA village there. He is doing everything he can think of to force the animal rescuers and animals out. So there are other reasons to call this person.

[nicknameless]

68. I hadn't heard about that one.

Animal evacuation is part of FEMA's job. If they give money to use Lamar-Dixon, they should be paying for it to be used for pets!

[mirandapriestly]

38. How Could This Have Happened?

I heard the lousy Red Cross has received almost a BILLION dollars during this hurricane. I wonder where it goes? I'll bet if a lot of people knew the truth about the Red Cross and they knew about this situation, they would choose to help the animals. They didn't help people in NOLA, either. Surely they could do something for the animals. Right now, I hate people.

[barb162]

44. oh these poor babies; it really is heartbreaking

[Barack_America]

48. Kick! Can't sleep until this gets to 50 and gets the little flame...

[Barack_America]

49. GOOD

[Barack_America]

50. NIGHT!! ........................ flame!

[nicknameless]

53. Kristi :)

:hug: Thanks!

[peacebuzzard]

55. So much information here that you won't find in media.

I am bookmarking this. My heart is so broken over these lost animals.

[Contrary1]

56. I saw somewhere

that a blind man wasn't even allowed to take his seeing eye dog.
I don't get it at all. Have they no compassion?

The good news is that the man was reunited with his friend. But,
he should never had to leave him behind in the first place. How
many others out there that didn't fare as well?

Beyond pathetic.

[nicknameless]

58. And he wasn't the only one!

Service animals separated from their people. Children separated from their parents.

... What have we become.

[Mairead]

57. bump

[Robeson]

59. Kick this.

[astonamous]

61. Thank you for keeping us reminded...

I volunteer with a group here in Utah that is an association of Best Friends Animal Society, No More Homeless Pets in Utah.

http://www.utahpets.org/

We just had our semi-annual Super Adoption and some of the animals that have been rescued from the Gulf area have found homes here. It is great to read the stories of the reunions and rescues on both their websites, but so much more needs to be done.

http://www.bestfriends.org/

Trudy

[Dastard Stepchild]

62. kick

:kick:

[sando]

69. In Galveston

There is woman who owns a stable of 39 horses who is trying to get those horses out of harms way. As of yesterday evening she had managed to get only six horses evacuated. There are 33 horses remaining on a part of the island that has no protection from the Galveston Sea Wall. So far the media only reported the matter but has done nothing to get government resources moving on this matter. The story was reported on CNN. The horses have been used to provide people with hours of pleasure riding along the beaches of Galveston. I have always said the way we treat animals is very much how we treat people.

[dusty64]

71. Its the new

culture of "life". We've got to "move on" and get used to it... :sarcasm:

[nicknameless]

76. A very accurate and timely quote:

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
- Mahatma Ghandi


Welcome to DU :hi:

[sando]

79. Thank you for the welcome.

Glad to be here even in these dark days there are still people that are doing all they can with little or no support from any government agency and these animal rescuers should all be given medals of valor for the efforts they have made in appalling conditions. God love em all for the work they do.

[cyberpj]

78. And so many will die from drinking the toxic water!

So many that could and should have left with their people.:cry:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

82. Thank you for posting this nicknameless. I just heard on my local NY news

that a couple of hundred of rescued animals just landed in NY and going to an excellent organization, The North Shore Animal League. They will be held for 30 days before being given up for adoption. I hope that some of their owners will be able to locate them there. Then what are the logistics? The pet is in NY and the owners displaced to points unknown. This is a nightmare.

[Barack_America]

83. Yes, but unfortunately necessary for the sake of the animals...

It will be an important task to clear this up, however. I'm sure that nobody wants to adopt somebody else's missing pet. Don't want to deprive anyone of their animal or have it taken back!

It will hurt the adoption process if the reunion process isn't streamlined!

[nicknameless]

84. What I've heard is that they are photographing them, micro-chipping them

and posting their information on sites like petfinders so that the owners can more easily search for and locate them.

It's all horribly sad, but if my furbaby were faced with conditions like that, I'd rather have her saved. That's a huge issue for them there. Rescuers are picking up animals and then having a difficult time finding a place that will take them. Space is very limited. So some pets are being evacuated to shelters and homes around the country to free up space in the LA shelters. At least they're alive -- and hopefully they can be reunited with their human families soon.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

85. I think it is WONDERFUL that they have been rescued and taken

to whereever they are accepted. I just think even if someone locates their pets, it might be impossible for them to get them. Do you know if there are funds are set-up to make those returns possible?

[Barack_America]

86. Better than FUNDS...

...Kind-hearted people who will make it happen!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

88. That takes funds/money to make that happen. Transportation costs. nt

[Barack_America]

89. Not necessarily. Pet taxis by dedicated volunteers...

...Much more effective than begging corporations and government agencies for resources...

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

90. I didn't say corporations or government for money. When I say funds

I mean contribution money.

[nicknameless]

92. The generosity of unbelievably kind individuals will make it happen,

just like Kristi wrote.

You should check out nola.com's pet rescue forum. People who love animals are doing these things out of pocket.

[Barack_America]

93. Hard to contribute to these independent go-getter types...

...As far as I'm concerned, just about every group that has a website with a "donate now" button has a hidden agenda and some sort of bureaucratic entanglements...

[Barack_America]

87. Link to Happy Story...

...Not much else to do now but hope. This story should spark a little...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4854734

[nicknameless]

94. VERY IMPORTANT PETITION !!!

Rescue animals stranded by Katrina, and don’t let animals be forgotten again!
Target: The U.S. Congress

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/256230705?z00m=49821&z00m=49821<l=1127516139

[nicknameless]

95. Forgot to mention another deserving rescue group: NOAH'S WISH

http://www.noahswish.org/

Thanks for the reminder, Mafdet at nola.com :)

[Barack_America]

96. URGENT!! New way that you can help the animals DIRECTLY!!

The independent, go-getter, ultra-efficient rescuer at ericsdogblog.com needs donations so that he can get back into NOLA and resume rescues as soon as Rita passes.

Donations can be made through paypal at: [e-mail]

100% of these funds go to the rescue effort!! (0% bureaucracy)

[nicknameless]

98. Eric is a great guy!

Thanks for posting his info!
While HSUS people are cowering with fear over the thought of *rain*, Eric is still out rescuing and feeding furbabies! :)

[Barack_America]

99. Hey there. Would you mind posting this praise on the...

"Animal Rescue How You Can Help Directly" Thread

Don't want people to think that I'm trying to pocket their money or something.

Thanks!!

(How do I link threads??)

[nicknameless]

102. Hi Kristi,

Go to the page you want to link, select its url in your browser window, cut it, and then paste it into the DU message space
when you compose your reply.

I'll do a search for it too :)

[Maru Kitteh]

97. If I am ever rich you will find me on the biggest animal sanctuary in the

world. I gave, I wish I could give more.

[Barack_America]

100. Kick!!.............. 100! Yea!

[iconoclastic cat]

101. I just donated another $100 to both Project Starfish + Pasado's Safe Haven

After being unemployed for 4 months, I was hired for a great job today.

Mrs. IconCat is having contractions in 4 hour intervals.

I just gave $100 to both Project Starfish and Pasado's Safe Haven.

That makes over $500 I have donated to save both pets and people since the day after NOLA flooded. I will give more as soon as I can move around some money.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.

[nicknameless]

103. Yea, Yea, Yea and Yea!!!

Lots of Congratulations and Thanks for all that!!!

Which job did you get? Your first choice, I hope! :)

You are one generous IconCat! :hug:

[iconoclastic cat]

105. Well, I have to set a good example now, don't I?

The gig wasn't my first choice, but it may turn out to be the best choice in the long run.

As for generosity, I don't even consider how this enhances my humanitarian credentials. It is this simple: I have, therefore I give.

[iconoclastic cat]

106. dupe

I don't know why DU created four dupes at once. That's strange.

[iconoclastic cat]

107. dupe

[iconoclastic cat]

108. Dupe!

Is DU having issues tonight?

[nicknameless]

109. Yes

[Fatima]

104. That's why

I don't give money to big bloated outfits like the RC. The RC is just another arm of the government, now.

[nicknameless]

111. NEW LEGISLATION -- INCLUDE PETS IN EVACUATIONS !!!

Cross-posted from http://www.projectstarfish.org/latest.php

Friday, September 23, 10:30AM ET
UPDATE FROM WASHINGTON DC: Below is an article from the Associated Press reporting that Congressmen Christopher Shays (R-Connecticut), and Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts) are co-sponsoring a bill that would require pets to be included in evacuations. Please support this effort. If you do not live in these two congressmen’s districts, write to your congressman to let him/her know that you support this bill. To find your representative, go to http://www.house.gov

Here is the contact info for the two congressmen sponsoring the bill:

Fourth Congressional District of Massachusetts
Congressman Barney Frank
2252 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515-2104
[phone]
Web Site http://www.house.gov/frank/

Fourth Congressional District of Connecticut
Congressman Christopher Shays
1126 Longworth Building
Washington, DC 20515-0704
[phone]
Website: http://www.house.gov/shays/

Thursday, September 22, 2005; Posted: 2:36 p.m. EDT (18:36 GMT)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal disaster grants to state and local governments should be conditioned on how they accommodate pets in their evacuation plans, say lawmakers disturbed that some Hurricane Katrina victims refused to leave home because they couldn't take their animals with them.

"I cannot help but wonder how many more people could have been saved had they been able to take their pets," Rep. Tom Lantos, D-California, said Thursday.

Lantos and Reps. Christopher Shays, R-Connecticut, and Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, are sponsoring a bill that would require that state and local disaster preparedness plans required for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding include provisions for household pets and service animals.

More than 6,000 pets have been saved in Mississippi and Louisiana, said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, but tens of thousands more could still be in New Orleans alone. Texas, he said, has been better at allowing people to take their pets with them ahead of Hurricane Rita but a formal policy is still needed.

"We cannot rely on individual acts of compassion," Markarian said.

Holly Hazard, executive director of the Doris Day Animal League, said there are 4,000 outstanding requests to rescue pets more than three weeks after Katrina hit.

Of course, this legislation overlooks the fact that laws and guidelines were already in place to assure pet evacuations in Louisiana
... they were simply ignored.

[Robeson]

112. Awesome! And did you see this in the Pet's Group?....

...at least there is some more good news coming out. I am still so mad, I had to calm down and at least be glad for this bit of good news...http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x9973

[nicknameless]

114. Thanks for the link. I was tempted to post, but knew it would be

like a bucket of cold water.

General Honore promised animal rescuers the moon and didn't deliver.
When we tried to pursue the matter, we found that he had forwarded the number he had given us to HSUS.
It's been reported that it took him 10 days to rescue his own daughter's pets (in NOLA).
I'm really not ready to sing that guy's praises. (Sorry for the rant)

That being said, any animals being included in evacuations is great news! :)
Good to see that Texas picked up on this issue too.
People adore their pets and many would rather risk their own lives and safety than abandon them.

[nicknameless]

115. Thanks again for posting that. It deserves to be posted here too.

... Now that I've cooled down from my rant on Honore.

:)

[Robeson]

117. I know. I had to cool down too....

...its frustrating.

[nicknameless]

167. Guess what. More flooding, more evacuations, more people being forced

to leave their pets behind. ... No policy change :(

"No matter how cynical I get, I just can't keep up."
-- Lily Tomlin

[Robeson]

113. Early morning kick!

[nicknameless]

116. NOW, Maybe Owners Can Take Their Pets With Them??!!!

http://www.2theadvocate.com/stories/091305/opi_views1001.shtml

The only problem is, this story was published on the 13th. Did policy really change?
Hmmm ... I'll try to find out what I can and post here.

Rescuing pets could save people

Thousands of people apparently have refused to evacuate New Orleans. A lot of them reportedly have been unwilling to
leave pets behind.

A news report Saturday said the military had begun providing cages to pet owners so they could evacuate with their animals.

"We got the capacity, and it seemed like the right thing to do," Army Lt. Gen. Russell Honore said.

<snip>

Pet owners could be risking their lives by refusing to board rescue boats without their pets.
Why would people do that? Maybe they think of their pets as family. Maybe they see it as a matter of responsibility.
Maybe they figure the pets would die for them.

<snip>

[nicknameless]

169. Nope. They broke their word.

NOLA flooded again and pets are being left behind, just like the last time. :(

[nicknameless]

118. Major oversight that should have been included in the OP

MAJOR PROPS to nola.com's gbrooks for unearthing the information about the Federal, State and Local guidelines and laws that pertain to animal evacuation!

gbrooks :yourock:

[iconoclastic cat]

120. kick, and I just want to say thanks for keeping these threads alive!

[nicknameless]

122. Thanks to you too ...

Any news? How is Mrs. IconCat? + 1 yet? :)

[iconoclastic cat]

123. Not yet! Holding steady. This could go on for days, I'm told.

In fact, she seems strangely calm.

[nicknameless]

126. Poor Mrs. IconCat!

"Strangely Calm?" What endurance!

[iconoclastic cat]

127. No, seriously: she has talked me into going shopping with her.

We are leaving in a minute. Shopping! We are going shopping for baby clothes in between contractions.

Last night, we went out for fish and chips.

Those Irish women are freakin' Fight Club tough, I'm telling you.

[nicknameless]

128. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:wow:

[smurfygirl]

121. just made a donation to project starfish

due to this thread....

and will write as many letters as possible on this issue...

also...where the fuck is PETA?

Why aren't they spending those millions of dollars in donations on an ad campaign about this?

God, I'm sick over this.

[iconoclastic cat]

124. Thanks, smurfy!

As for PETA, here is a site with news: http://www.helpinganimals.com/f-latestnews.asp

[nicknameless]

155. That's great, smurfygirl

I know that PETA is opposing LSU's rebuilding of their animal-torture lab. They also say they're doing some rescue work, but in all that we've been hearing from the rescuers down there, PETA has never been mentioned. Like I wrote in the OP, it's the little guys that are really the heroes.

Thank you for all you're doing :)

[nicknameless]

170. I just checked out the link in IconCat's post.

(How did I miss that before?)
Looks like PETA is doing some rescue work. Good to see.

... Although I'd have to disagree with a few of their assertions and inferences. Not the first into St. Bernard Parish.
And Gen. Honore's compassionate pet rescue? They were his daughter's pets and it took him ten days to go get them.
What a guy! :eyes:

[Mairead]

125. bump

[astonamous]

129. Is there anybody here who works with or for HSUS?

Can anyone explain why someone would post something like this on Craigslist?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/pet/99552245.html

Is any of it true?

[nicknameless]

130. Because there have been endless reports from rescuers and pet owners

that those things are occurring.

HSUS has done much to hinder rescues and to endanger -- and even, undoubtedly -- cost pets' lives.

This story out of MS is just one example.

[iconoclastic cat]

131. What the hell?

How can we stop this crap?

[nicknameless]

133. There have been too many complaints against HSUS for this to not harm

their image. They've got 9 million members. I imagine that number will plummet after this.

[iconoclastic cat]

132. I just sent them a very nasty email. n/t

[A-Possum]

136. I think this is BS

But, clearly there are those here and elsewhere who want to demonize the HSUS.

So, when they complain about their threads breaking out in arguments, possibly that's why. I won't start one here but I frankly don't believe this, and I know for sure there are plenty of rumors going around on all kinds of things.

So, my advice would be take it with a large grain of salt. I'm sure others here will vigorously disagree but do your own research and make your own decision.

[nicknameless]

140. This is being reported widely by rescuers, volunteers, vets,

and pet owners.

NUMEROUS reports. Not a few.

[A-Possum]

142. I've seen opposing reports too

*shrug*

[nicknameless]

144. How many of them have come directly from HSUS or their shills?

There is a lot of that going on.

[A-Possum]

145. You know...

some of it is just common sense. I think there is a lot of hysteria and stress, and I don't think that HSUS has gone down there to shoot dogs for the fun of it, which is what some people make it sound like. I think that an organization that hunkers down while another hurricane is coming and sticks with the rescued animals in the same minimal shelter is probably an organization that is doing their damnedest by their own lights to get the animals safe. Maybe they aren't doing it in precisely the way that every animal lover in the country thinks they should do it, maybe they are dealing with issues beyond the view of individuals, maybe there are people who feel rebuffed and feel they are doing a better job and they should get more attention.

Everyone is under stress and in misery about the situation. All I care about is the animals. I don't care about which group does what, and any group that spends energy dissing another's efforts seems to me to be to be wasting energy that could be used to better purpose. Over and over insisting that HSUS is some sort of demonic organization that can do no right just sounds like freaking-out to me. I have followed the NOLA pet rescue forums closely and while there are complaints about HSUS there are also comments from people on the ground at Lamar-Dixon that make a great deal of sense about the monumental efforts and heart of the people there. Call them shills if you like. Maybe you are wrong about them. You seem very assured, almost hysterically so, and on quite a mission to denigrate their efforts, so in the end I can say no more than that I don't believe you are correct.

Peace.

[nicknameless]

147. "Hysterically" huh? That sounds very familiar! So which shill are you?

[A-Possum]

148. thank you

Now I do know you are hysterical.

[nicknameless]

149. And I know you're a shill.

[justiceischeap]

157. Were you there A-Possum?

Have you seen any of these "shelters?" Have you been to the 6am meetings run by HSUS talking about how animals died because people were allowed, by HSUS in 100+ degree heat, to haul these animals over an hour in un air conditioned vehicles? Animals that are already suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion, starvation? Have you spent any time in Gonzales, LA or in Mississippi? I'll put video footage up later today of a "shelter" in St. Bernard Parish that HSUS could have helped, were asked to help and finally it was the military that intervened, not HSUS.

Yes, everyone there is working hard to help these animals but HSUS certainly has their own agenda in this and to think otherwise is nonsense. If you weren't on the ground, then you don't really know. There is certainly truth to a lot of these claims.

And yes, I WAS there.

[astonamous]

171. Can you prove any of this is wrong? (see link)

http://www.activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/oid/136

[justiceischeap]

179. Activist Cash is a site funded by the meat & dairy industries

i.e. Repugs...

Just FYI

[nicknameless]

181. Here's a great site -- non-partisan Charity Navigator.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3848

HSUS's NET assets in 2003 was $99,997,471.00 -- just shy of $100 Million.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_katrina

The response of the American public was unprecedented. The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS) had received $15 million in donations within a couple of weeks after the hurricane occurred.

Where is all of that money going?! It sure isn't going to pet rescuing!

[Solitaire]

134. Volunteers needed...

I had posted this under Vegetarian, Vegan and Animal Rights, but perhaps I should add it here. This was an email sent to me and they really need volunteers:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=231&topic_id=7384&mesg_id=7384

I've been appalled at all that has happened, but I did hear the Governor of Texas (at least I think that's who it was) tell people, to evacuate and "take your pets". I also saw a woman boarding a bus with her large dog.

I agree about the Red Cross (other posts on this thread); they do not allow you take your pets and this MUST stop! I'm all for a boycott.

I only donated to animals rescues this time, because I felt that most were donating to the Red Cross, etc, but I'm going to give clothes.

It's all so heartbreaking and upsetting. I cannot understand how anyone could leave their pet.

I guess they would have shot me?

Sol

[nicknameless]

135. I strongly advise people to NOT contribute to HSUS.

Even volunteering for them is a heart-breaking experience. Better that people help the smaller groups.

HSUS is running the Lamar-Dixon shelter, and reports from rescuers and volunteers paint a dismal picture.

Just one example of how they're operating (and this one is only from MS) can be found at this link that was included with astonamous's post (#129)

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/pet/99552245.html

[A-Possum]

137. Again, a grain of salt

Not starting an argument, just sayin.'

There are reports from the shelters that don't match these doomsday ones, so take your pick.

[astonamous]

138. No more research needed, it's true...

I just got back from rally/march here in Salt Lake. I met up with a few members of No More Homeless Pets in Utah that just got back from the gulf area. HSUS is not helping at all and animals are dying. The grass roots groups that are basically going in under any official "radar" are getting the job done.

I am totally pissed that an organization that has raised so much money and supplies in donations, can not get the job done and in fact are making it more difficult for other groups.

I don't want to start any argument in this thread either. Everybody has and should donate or support whichever group they think is in the most need to do the most work.

I am so disappointed...

[A-Possum]

139. For another first person perspective...

Please go to the www.nola.com pet rescue forum (link in orange box)--one of the most active rescue forums--and read the thread #15439.

Maybe more research is needed. Or at least other viewpoints from on the ground.

[nicknameless]

141. You're totally correct.

MANY, MANY reports from volunteers, rescuers, vets and pet owners. These are hardly isolated incidents.
What you've heard is absolutely correct.

[nicknameless]

143. Whenever anyone criticizes HSUS, that person, "Emily" shows up to defend

them. Not sure what her agenda is, but she's consistent ... and I'm suspicious about it.

It takes a lot more than caring volunteers to make that shelter work. Too many reports that HSUS is hampering instead of helping the rescue effort.

[astonamous]

146. It just pisses me off that all the money and energy would be

handled by HSUS as if they were taken over by FEMA. No More Homeless Pets in Utah is a branch of Best Friends Animal Society. We are really all one group with one goal. HSUS seems to have a totally different goal. I have also seen and talked to those from Marin County Humane Society. It seems they are getting the work done as well, without any help from HSUS.

I saw another website today that really tugged at my heart.

http://www.oilydog.org/

and

http://www.forpitssake.org/katrina.swf

[nicknameless]

150. HSUS has behaved horribly through this.

It's so true that those who are succeeding with rescues are doing so *despite* HSUS and the state of LA.

I had seen that flash movie before -- it's so powerful and upsetting. Lots of tissues required for that one!

And the little oily dog just haunts me. Those in charge -- as well as those in the media -- have revealed themselves to be unbelievably inhumane. It is truly shocking.

[A-Possum]

172. HSUS shilling

Since I've been accused being a shill for HSUS, I might as well do it.

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/recent_activities_and_information/faqs_on_hsus_disaster_response_in_louisiana_and_mississippi.html">FAQs on HSUS Disaster Response in Louisiana and Mississippi

Are Animals Being Euthanized?

There are erroneous rumors spreading on the Internet that animals in Louisiana are being euthanized en masse. This is absolutely false. Why would anybody expend so much effort to rescue these animals only to turn around and euthanize them? A few animals have been euthanized because of severe health problems. The decision to euthanize is taken by the veterinarians who are treating the animals at the facility.

Currently, the disposition of the animals—as well as the ability of veterinarians to practice on site—is determined solely at the discretion of the Louisiana state veterinarian. Similarly, animals who require euthanasia in Mississippi or any temporary animal shelter/holding facility in the Gulf Coast disaster area will only be euthanized after a veterinarian has determined that it is the best course of action for that animal.

Misinformation about access to the Gonzales facility and the care the animals are receiving is being posted on certain websites. If you want to help animals get the desperate attention they need, please do not forward such rumors to The HSUS. Receiving and responding to rumors is a waste of our scarce human resources at our Headquarters and in the field who are focused solely on saving animals’ lives.

Are There Quarantines/Holding Times at the Temporary Shelters?

There is misinformation that The Humane Society of the United States is responsible for imposing quarantine times before animals are released from the temporary holding facilities. Any quarantine periods that have been set up are imposed by the respective state officials.

I realize that posting this will upset some in this thread, but I feel that it's important for readers to see that there are two sides to this story and make their own judgement. I don't have anything to do with HSUS myself but yeah, I'll shill for them. I think if there are any "bad guys" here, it's the state and feds, myself.

More info about what the HSUS has done is at their site: http://www.hsus.org/

Also info on the ASPCA response is at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hurricane_diary

I don't post any of this to take away from what other organizations are doing. They are doing wonderful jobs too in desperate circumstance.

[justiceischeap]

186. Just FYI - the site originally had this text in that paragraph

"We are strongly discouraging rescuers from picking up highly aggressive animals, since they will probably be euthanized. We are also discouraging people from trapping feral cats, since these animals cannot be adopted through the system in place at Gonzales."

So HSUS's alternative is to leave these affected animals in the streets to starve to death or be shot? That's helpful to the animals, isn't it?

I've been searching for a cached version of this but I can't find one. I should have done a screen capture when I saw it yesterday.

[justiceischeap]

154. HSUS is not doing the best of jobs there

I was in Gonzales, LA and it was highly disorganized, they slept in the comfort of RV's while people actually doing all the hard work slept in tents. I understand they have the money to rent the RV's and sleep in them but their money could be better spent IMO.

I'm not a HSUS fan but I will say this in their defense--this is an unprecedented rescue effort. I think everyone down there is doing the best they can to help the animals.

With that said, I'm quite certain HSUS is using this as a publicity "stunt." I was down with my rescue group videotaping our efforts but was never allowed into the barns with my video camera, as HSUS had a lock down on that area. All their folks in their blue HSUS tee's were filming things but anyone without a press pass couldn't even take pictures. If you did take a picture, it had to be snuck. The reason I bring up this point is this--if they are really more concerned about helping the animals, then they wouldn't care who walked through with cameras or video cameras, because the more footage out there the better. I think the reasoning for this is that they don't want anyone showing the conditions in the "shelter" which is a hell hole for these animals.

[Solitaire]

153. hmmm

They weren't asking for "donations", they were asking for "volunteers". I'm not even sure if those two people were with HSUS, but....they need people!

In any event, that email was just forwarded to me by someone I trust.

And also, I had contacted Best Friends and \Noah's Wish. Best Friends were not helpful, although I heard that they were doing a good job down there. One of the people from BF told me the reporters should be rescuing the animals. Perhaps it was his/her frustration speaking, which I can understand.

But, Noah's Wish told me that they are helping but the LA Vets were the ones who were doing the most. I donated to them.

If anyone needs the name, I can dig it up.

Sol :)

[Solitaire]

158. one more thing...

I received this link from a DU person (A-Possum, who said they couldn't post). It is the HSUS website where they ask for volunteers. I personally think the phone numbers of individuals was better, since you can get a good idea of what is neeeded, but hey:

http://www.hsus.org/

Look on the right, they have a volunteer link.

Also, I'm sure the other rescue groups can use volunteers too.

Sol ;)

[nicknameless]

159. A "DU" person? Try a "HSUS" person.

Anyone SINCERELY interested in assisting the animal rescue effort would do well to volunteer for OTHER groups.

[Solitaire]

160. ok...

A HSUS person, but again, we all need to work together to help the animals. That's what counts!

:)

[nicknameless]

164. IMO, the animals would be mostly, if not all saved if HSUS had only used

their multi-millions and their connections to make it happen.

They instead hampered rescue efforts. I'll post more on that in a bit.

Working with the smaller groups is all that's going to save these babies now.

[nicknameless]

151. Nighttime kick for these furbabies

[nicknameless]

152. TAKE ACTION !!! ******* In Defense of Animals's website

Here is a page where you can take action on a couple of issues that pertain to the horrors in LA:

http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/home.html

1. Stopping LSU's brutal, animal-torturing laboratory from being rebuilt
2. Allocate Federal resources for pet evacuation

There are other actions to click also.

This is a wonderful group. They do action campaigns where they send out postcards to their members to fill out and send DIRECTLY to the offenders. In other words ... unlike every other group I know of, they don't attach the forms, that they're requesting you to fill out, to a request for donations to be mailed back to the organization!

It's more important to them that you take action than contribute to them! :)

In Defense of Animals

[iconoclastic cat]

156. morning kick

[shireen]

161. WRITE TO CONGRESS! TELL THEM WHAT'S GOING ON!!!

Rep. Tom Lantos (CA, 12th Congressional District)
Sponsor, amendment to HR3858, Sept 22 '05
Co-chair, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus
Website: http://lantos.house.gov/hor/ca12/home.htm
Email: only for constituents, http://lantos.house.gov/HoR/CA12/Contact+Tom/
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)
Staff Contact for this issue: Guido Zucconi x53531

Rep. Christopher Shays (CT, 4th Congressional District)
Co-chair, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus
Co-sponsor, amendment to HR3858, Sept 22 '05
Website: http://www.house.gov/shays/
Email: http://www.house.gov/shays/contact/index.htm
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)
Staff Contact for this issue: (Kristy Crooks x55541)

Congressman Don Young (AK, Congressman At Large)
Co-sponsor, amendment to HR3858, Sept 22 '05
Website: http://donyoung.house.gov/
Email: http://donyoung.house.gov/opinions.htm
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)

Congressman James Oberstar (MN, 8th Congressional District))
Co-sponsor, amendment to HR3858, Sept 22 '05
Website: http://www.oberstar.house.gov/
Email: Constituents only, http://wwwc.house.gov/oberstar/zipauth.htm
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)

Barney Frank (MA, 4th Congressional District)
Co-sponsor, amendment to HR3858, Sept 22 '05
Website: http://www.house.gov/frank/
Email: Constituents only, http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)

Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ - 7th Congressional District)
Member, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus
Website: http://www.house.gov/grijalva/
Email: http://www.house.gov/grijalva/contact.html
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3rd Congressional District)
Member, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus
Website: http://blumenauer.house.gov/
Email: http://blumenauer.house.gov/about/Contact.shtml
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6th Congressional District)
Member, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus
Website: http://www.house.gov/pallone/
Email: Constituents only, http://www.house.gov/writerep
Phone: [phone] (Washington DC)

Congressman Fred Upton (MI-6th Congressional District)
Member, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus
Website: http://www.house.gov/upton/index.html
Email: Constituents only, http://www.house.gov/writerep
Phone: [phone]

Congressman Michael E. Capuano (MA, 8th Congressional District)
Member, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus
Website: http://www.house.gov/capuano/index.shtml
Email: Constituents only, http://www.house.gov/writerep
Phone: [phone]



Note: Amendment to H.R.3858, introduced Sept 22 '05: To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency. Sponsor: Lantos. Co-sponsors: Shays, Oberstar, Young, Frank.

[shireen]

162. especially if you're a volunteer

insist on talking to a legislative staff member and give them a earful.
Staff contacts for Shays and Lantos are included in that list.

[suffragette]

163. Brancaccio on PBS Now program

Brancaccio had a segment on Now about this issue. It made very good points about how many people will not evacuate or may return early to search for their pets.
Here's a link to some info on the PBS site:
http://www.pbs.org/now/society/petsandcrisis.html

[nicknameless]

165. Thanks for the link.

Shame on them, though, for posting links to the larger groups who are raking in millions but hampering rescue efforts. :(

[The Stranger]

166. Kick it again.

[nicknameless]

168. PLEASE DU THIS POLL !!!

"Should FEMA and the Red Cross be obligated to help save animals during a disaster?"

http://www.foxnews.com/foxfan/index.html

[Joe Chi Minh]

173. What wickedness!

[nicknameless]

174. ONLY donate to HSUS if you want your $$$ to go to a BEHEMOTH org. that

is showing itself to be indifferent (euphemism) to the animal rescue operation. They have been BLOCKING rescue efforts.

(The mass euthanizing, that the HSUS shill "A-Possum" is referring to, is a red herring issue, BTW)

[nicknameless]

175. The pet-rescue board on nola.com is crawling with HSUS's people.

They're constantly promoting the organization -- in spite of all the alarming reports, about HSUS, from people wanting to help
and save the animals.

They show up in mass whenever their money-grubbing organization is criticized.

They are widely recognized to be trolls on that board.

[Barack_America]

177. Next mission....UNDERMINE HSUS authority.....

If this legislation passes, need to come up with an organization that is involved in Pet Rescue from disaster areas ONLY!! Make HSUS just another rescue organization that work gets contracted out to.

They've behaved terribly and don't deserve to be the voice of animals anymore!

[nicknameless]

178. THANK YOU!

It is overwhelmingly upsetting to read what they're doing in NOLA.
Now they won't even give Eric the list of pets that need rescuing.

Over at nola.com, there are tons of HSUS shills trying to do damage control for HSUS's PR image.
Every time they post, it all comes down to PR spin and money.

Meanwhile, animals are DYING!!! And they obviously couldn't care less.

[leftchick]

176. ATTENTION!! Anderson Cooper to Do a SPECIAL Report

on the animals of the Hurricanes tonight, Monday at 11:00 PM on CNN.

Thank you for keeping up the good fight nick. I was in DC for the weekend. I have been so afraid to look at the latest. It is always worse than I thought.

:cry:

[nicknameless]

180. Too many battles to be fought on too many fronts. Just like they planned.

Hi, Leftchick! THANK YOU for going to DC. The massive number of people tells the whole story!

I hope Cooper will report the unvarnished truth about the NOLA pet situation.
Could you please post a bit about what he says?

So much sadness for these babies. :cry:

[nicknameless]

184. Cute furbaby! Anyone you know? :)

[leftchick]

185. he was rescued in NO

by best friends. I grabbed his pic from their web site. Isn't he a cutie??

[nicknameless]

187. VERY Cute!!!

That's what keeps me going. The little rescued babies. :)

[nicknameless]

182. While the little guys are out busting their butts to rescue pets,

HSUS is obsessing over money and hampering rescues.

LOOK AT HSUS's TRUE FINANCIAL PICTURE:
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3848

HSUS's NET assets in 2003 was $99,997,471.00 -- just shy of $100 Million.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_katrina

The response of the American public was unprecedented. The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS) had received $15 million in donations within a couple of weeks after the hurricane occurred.

Where is all of that money going?! It sure isn't going to pet rescuing!

[nicknameless]

183. Kick!

[nicknameless]

188. Another kick for these babies

I'll update soon.

[nicknameless]

189. A different, horrific world ... more dog shootings in St. Bernard Parish

Nearly a month ago, Sgt. Mike Minton was captured on videotape, shooting dogs in St. Bernard Parish. This past Wednesday, September 28, more dogs were found shot. The owners had left plenty of food and water, so the dogs would have survived otherwise.

(The story below is cross-posted from PasadoSafeHaven.org)

Despite pleas from dog owners in writing scrawled across the walls of a middle school, fourteen dogs, left by their owners in hopes of returning to them, were slaughtered, shot in the body cavity, forcing the dogs to suffer a prolonged death. All were found dead at Beauregard Middle School in St. Bernard Parish, New Orleans.

The middle school was a temporary shelter for evacuees who, after flood waters rose, were ordered not to take their pets with them. Many of the pet owners scrawled their names and phone numbers on the wall of the middle school room, in an effort to have their pets reunited with them. All of the fourteen dogs were found shot, lying in pools of blood. These evacuees lost everything. To find out that the pets they tried to save were killed in this manner is the final blow.

According to Pasado's Safe Haven Humane Investigator, on the ground in St. Bernard Parish, "The dogs who were shot in St. Bernard Parish did not die immediately. They were not shot in the head to quickly bring about death. Shooting an animal in the body cavity is one of the most cruel ways to kill an animal."

According to St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens, the shell-casings are consistent with those used by law enforcement. Before this incident occurred, a St. Bernard Sheriff's Officer was documented shooting dogs in the street by a Dallas news videographer. According to Sheriff Stephens, "We'll get to the bottom of this. If it's one of our officers, we'll let the cards fall where they may. He reportedly has turned this case over to the Louisiana State's Attorney for investigation.

VETERINARY EXAMINATION

Pasado's Safe Haven knows that it takes more than what you think to make a case of animal cruelty. If this person is identified, they may claim "the animals were suffering" "I had to put them out of their misery". To assure that a conviction can happen, PasadoRescuers will take the dogs to a veterinarian, Licensed in the State of Louisiana, for necropsies (animal autopsies). Necropsies can prove whether an animal had been in a state of dehydration or starvation at the time of death. The animals will also be kept, in a freezer, so no evidence will be discarded.

A quote from EricsDogBlog.com:

"Many people including those that I have talked to at the States Attorney (remember that there are 50-100 shells casings. Many say 'tactical' on the side. I don't know what that means but it doesn't sound like something found at a local ammo shop) are looking into all the details."

More dogs were found shot Friday (Sept. 30)... Will update later.

:cry:

[mirandapriestly]

190. I am so upset by this, it sounds like it was police officers

I bet they were the ones responsible for a lot of what went on in NOLA.

[nicknameless]

191. Yes. They are total monsters down there. Absolutely evil.

Here is a link to the first shootings caught on video. Sgt. Mike Minton admitted, on camera, to shooting the dogs.

http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2005/katrina_video/straydogs.html

There have been other animals found shot as well. If it were just a matter of a few sickos, that would be one thing, but there is also a cover-up going on already, with a variety of govt. officials involved. Corruption on all levels there.

[nicknameless]

192. About some of the dogs that were found shot on Wednesday:

Cross-posted from nola.com

17750. PGT Middle School
by savethepets3, 9/30/05 1:23 ET

I just answered the phone to hear a sobbing woman on the other end of the line .. Carol, John, their son and daughter in-law were all together when they watched CNN. She could barely speak to me after watching CNN ..

Carols 14 year old husky/Shep named bullet was most likely one of the four dogs in this family that was shot to death. She adopted this dog from the pound as a puppy and raised it and loved it for 14 years. Bullet was hit by a car when he was a puppy and she just got done paying off the $4000.00 bill from the vet .. then she got tests and medicine for the dogs arthritis ...

This family has been trying to get their dogs back since the day after the storm. They were promised my the police that their animals would be taken care of ..

Well with the help of people like you and I, we had foster care already setup for the dogs. This is only one story of one of the dogs in the family .. all 4, were almost certain shot to death in PGT Middle school ..

John was in the bedroom and is so distraught that he couldn't talk to me .. his dog was "Angel Girl" the black lab that slept in his bed with him every night and the dog that woke them up and saved their lives when the water started rising .. one of the dogs that was shot to death in cold blood.




:cry:

[EFerrari]

193. . . .

[nicknameless]

194. HSUS costing more animals their lives. This case is in Mississippi.

Tara High, the President of Humane Society of Southern MS, and Michelle Prince of same org, are releasing very few animals from it's KILL facility in Gulfport. They maintain that they are not euthanizing yet, but they HAVE already put animals to sleep there. Additionally, two different 501 groups have been there and they would NOT release the full supply of animals in their facility to these groups, claiming that they must hold them for 5 days.

Please call them and ask why THEY are following normal protocol when:
A) this is a disaster situation and willing, valid groups are ready to take 20-40 animals off of death row at a time (who are NOT going to drive another 8 to 17 hours every week to take the slow trickle of releases, as these people suggest) and
B) the HSUS is allowing groups to take full loads of animals that have not been held for xxx days. These groups have pledged to take pictures for petfinders and just foster them in homes for 30 days if HSSM so wishes.

Even under these circumstances, HSSM would NOT release all available animals. They may claim they want to reunite animals with owners in its community, but why are they any different from Hattiesburg, Gonzales, etc who have sent their animals ALL OVER THE US? These rescue groups who have been turned away support reuniting owners with pets, absolutely!!!

Clearly, this is NOT about animals, but about power and control.

The HSSM is now set up in it's old nasty shelter that was ruined by Katrina. They have it up and running, but it is NOT a good place for any animal to be, much less a fragile survivor of Katrina. (Project HALO, a 501 no- kill from Charlotte NC has been camped out at the unfinished new shelter in support of HSSM and should not be confused with HSSM. HALO has helped HSSM but is responsible for taking in owner surrenders only.)

Please, everyone, call these two HSSM shelter managers and ask for VALID reasons for NOT releasing all animals it can to 501 groups that will house them for 30 days. (There are over 100 homes in VA and MD, alone, waiting to come down.)

They are even holding INJURED pets in this disgusting shelter.

Michelle asked that people slow down and NOT come to take animals. Additionally, they have NOT asked for volunteers, choosing instead to rely on 14 year old local kids, one of whom was seen kicking a dog twice.

Answers and solutions, please, from these people. MANY MANY calls seem to be the only way to get some action and forward movement from them.


Tara High, President of HSSM
228-669-8272

Michelle Prince
909-519-1964 cell
951-235-1569 backup cell

Humane Society of South Mississippi
13756 Washington Ave
Gulfport, MS 39503

[nicknameless]

195. Eric Rice has returned to Baltimore.

That is very unfortunate for the animals of NOLA.

The Louisiana state "authorities" want the rescuers to leave. And HSUS (with all of their tens of millions in donations for this effort) refused to part with the $200,000 it would have cost to keep the Lamar-Dixon shelter going. So that main shelter has closed.

Rescuing is now primarily in the hands of LASPCA. That's more bad news for the animals.

From ProjectStarFish:

<snip>

Apparently, the LASPCA is going to be taking over the remaining rescue activities and running those operations.

Editorial from Laura: This is kind of scary because they are a pretty small organization and I haven't seen too much involvement from them to date. Everyone is working under the blanket of LASPCA but they don't have the same funds. My former rescue partner who went out this morning called me and told me that people have been pretty unhappy about rescuers breaking into homes and damage it's caused. I'm not sure how we would have gotten into these homes since they didn't provide keys and they didn't initially take their animals with them. So, my rescue partner Cathy, thinks its probably a small number of dissatisfied "customers". Nonetheless, it's an excuse being used to halt operations by the state.

As for the pit bulls and other similar animals who are harder to get rescued, a group will be going to Bad Rap in San Francisco. A very high quality, pit bull rescue and advocacy group. The remaining pits will likely be going to a program in Angola Prison, which is going to be starting a program.

I'm not a particularly religious person, but I'm praying for the thousands of animals who have been kept alive through feeding and watering programs, but who we were told not to rescue due to space.

WHO IS GOING TO FEED AND WATER THEM NOW? WILL COPS ON THE STREET DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND THESE POOR BEINGS WHO WERE RELEASED FROM THEIR HOMES WHEN THEIR HOMES FLOATED AWAY OR NATIONAL GUARD BROKE DOWN THE DOORS INITIALLY? I PERSONALLY FED SOME OF THESE CRITTERS AND AM BROKEN HEARTED THAT THEIR FAMILIES MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RETURN ANYTIME SOON AND THEY'LL BE LEFT ONCE AGAIN TO DIE.

IMO, given that HSUS didn't want to pay to keep the shelter open and LA state authorities wanted the rescuers out, this was a "solution" that appealed to both of these callous entities. The animals and those who care about them, once again, wind up on the losing end.

NOLA is a brutal place. ... And HSUS is despicable.

[nicknameless]

196. Kick

:kick:

[nicknameless]

197. Kick

[nicknameless]

198. MORE pets found shot at another school.

Cross-posted from PasadoSafeHaven.org

http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/DOGSHOOTING/REWARD.htm

(On Friday), Mark Steinway from PasadoRescue, and investigators from the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office collected 15 dead dogs and cats from the St. Bernard Elementary School for necropsy.

7 dogs and 2 cats were found inside - 9 dogs were found at the football stadium. Some were tied up. Some tied with what appeared to be a jet-ski two rope. Steinway collected .22 and shotgun shell casings for examination by forensics specialists. All animals had been shot to death.

PasadoRescuers were en route to the State of Louisiana's School of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic lab for x-rays and necropsies when the director of the lab called Steinway to tell him that 29 animals (between yesterday's animals collected, and today's) were too many for them to process. Steinway got on the phone with Dr. Martha Littlefield, the Louisiana State Veterinarian, who MADE them take all the animals. We are grateful to her.

We are incurring huge costs providing the x-rays and necropsies on these animals. Each of the 29 animals will take approximately $500 worth of veterinary services. Not to mention the ballistics tests, which will come next. We MUST find who did this.

PasadoRescue is a small organization - we're not like the "big gun" national groups who each made $17 million in donations on this disaster, yet we are the ONLY group investigating this crime. If you can help us pay for these fees, please donate securely here and note "for dog shooting investigation" when you donate.

That's right. HSUS took in $17 million* -- but not only isn't assisting with this investigation -- they aren't even helping to fund it.

*IMO, HSUS's total donations must be much higher than $17 million.
Wikipedia notes that they took in $15 million in just the first couple weeks after Katrina hit.

[nicknameless]

199. Pasado Safe Haven update:

They are still going to specific addresses given to PasadoRescuers from home owners where pets were left behind and although many animals have been found dead, there are STILL survivors. Our crews feel that they should be able to wrap up within one week. Of course, they've told us this for many weeks now, but we hope they're able to come home soon.

There are so few remaining rescuers in NOLA, it will be a sad day when these guys go home.

[nicknameless]

200. Ne'er-do-well HSUS fails animals AGAIN, and has audacity to blame Pasado!

http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/NEWS/HSUS%20Excuses.htm

Response to HSUS Statement

It appears that supporters of HSUS have expressed their concern over why HSUS was not involved in investigating the St. Bernard dog shootings, or why they didn't assist Pasado's Safe Haven in upgrading Pasado's $10,000 reward offered to find the killers . A blanket response appears to have been issued today by HSUS to thousands of people across the country, based on the forwarded copies we've received. Sadly, HSUS chose to point fingers at us, rather than answer why they haven't acted to help in this case.

We feel it is necessary at this point to respond to this widely-broadcast message. I would like to say that I find this waste of time very sad. The time it took for HSUS to write this - and for us to respond - could have been used to actually do something positive for the animals.

Pasado's Safe Haven is a small organization, comparatively speaking. We have a total of six shelter staff members, three of which are still in New Orleans rescuing animals. I do all of the website work myself, so I take credit for any statement that Mr. Unti refers to (as well as the typos I may make late at night!).

We, like other rescuers in the Gulf, waited for the large animal organizations to DO SOMETHING when the St. Bernard dog shootings came to light. But nothing happened. As quickly as Mr. Unti disseminated the statement about Pasado's, help could have been offered by HSUS in this case.

Pasado's Safe Haven, having been on the ground for weeks rescuing, decided to contact the AG's office and found out that no one had offered help in funding an investigation. We respectfully disagree with Mr. Unti in stating that law enforcement or state authorities rarely want or accept financial assistance. As sad as it may seem, local, county, and state governmental agencies rarely have funds (or will use them) to investigate animal cruelty cases. We routinely offer financial assistance in cases like this. A cat poisoning trial slated to go to court this month, involving a woman who poisoned three cats with anti-freeze, is based on evidence Pasado's paid for on behalf of the prosecuting attorney's office. To us, it's a small price to pay to find the perpetrators of such crimes.

Since that phone call, Mark Steinway, Pasado's Humane Investigator, has been working alongside the Louisiana State AG. And we're very pleased with their response. Not all law enforcement or AG's offices are as responsive.

For those who are not aware, Mark and our veterinarian worked with an Assistant State’s Attorney and two AG investigators on the scene at three separate schools and a football field, where cats and dogs had been tied up and shot. The night before the meetings in St. Bernard Parish, Mark purchased all of the investigative recovery equipment: plastic bins, labels, videotape (to document the recovery), paper enclosures for bodies, plastic evidence bags for bullets, etc. to conduct the investigation. The AG's office personnel oversaw the recovery of spent shell casings, other forensics, and the bodies to assure proper investigative protocols were followed. Mark spent very long days literally scooping up the remains of these animals who laid in these hot schools for nearly a month. Mark and our veterinarian transported the bodies to the State of Louisiana's LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital for necropsy. Pasado's Safe Haven is paying for the radiological exams and necropsies. Once the Diagnostics Lab has completed their work, we will then assume costs for ballistics and other forensics exams necessary to perhaps, find the killers. Additionally, we offered a $10,000 reward seeking the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of whomever is responsible for these crimes. We have never overestimated our ability to pay for the necessary forensics services or the reward, despite HSUS’s insinuation to the contrary.

We have not asked HSUS to help in any way, nor will we. Although we have never written about this before this e-mail, it is our opinion that there was a great degree of mismanagement of the Lamar Dickson facility in Gonzales. When HSUS could no longer operate at Lamar Dickson, their representatives approached our rescuers in Raceland, LA to use our facility in exchange for a generous donation to offset our costs. While negotiating in good faith with HSUS to reach an agreement (and without a signed agreement), we allowed HSUS reps to use our facility and support staff, equipment, and supplies. After all, it was in the best interest of serving the most animals possible. But, due to the chaotic nature of the HSUS-led rescue efforts and their inability to keep good records on animals rescued, it was only a matter of four days before our rescuers had to ask HSUS people to leave. We were never reimbursed by HSUS for those four days nor will we ask for reimbursement. Pasado’s does not need HSUS’s money. What we were attempting to do was force HSUS into making a written commitment to follow through in an organized manner and set clear, reachable goals. This was not to happen.

Simply "writing a letter" to the AG's office, or "offering our full cooperation" as Mr. Unti's letter stated, means little. It looks good for public relations, but DOING something is what counts. Pasado’s attitude is “Put your money where your words are”. According to published reports, HSUS brought in $17 million dollars in Katrina-related donations. Their net assets total just under $100 million, according to their 2003 tax return. Supporters of HSUS, in our opinion, should ask for a detailed accounting of where the millions of dollars were used to support the animals of this disaster. Supporters of Pasado's, or any other animal rescue group who asked for donations, should be expected to do the same. And we will. I would like to note that the ASPCA DID contact Pasado's and requested we submit a fast-track grant to help our rescue efforts. Additionally, the ASPCA is offering to pay for transport of Katrina animals from shelters back to their owners, as well as reimburse rescuers for associated costs. We applaud them for using their funds in these ways. A safe prediction is that after your letters to HSUS, prompting this discourse, we might be seeing some creative uses of HSUS funds for the animals now.

For details on how HSUS spends your donations, click here.
To see how Pasado's Safe Haven spends your donations, click here.


Once again, my apologies for having to take up your valuable (and my) time responding to this. My only concern is that we find the people responsible for killing these helpless animals. Since we are inundated with requests for a response to the HSUS statement, I would kindly ask for you to widely post this. Thank you, and for the animals, Susan Michaels, Co-Founder, Pasado's Safe Haven

The HSUS statement that Pasado's was responding to: ( )

"October 12, 2005

A statement on the investigation of the dog shootings in several school buildings at St. Bernard’s Parish, Louisiana

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has received a number of inquiries in regard to the shooting of dogs inside several school buildings in St. Bernard’s Parish, Louisiana. We learned today that the Louisiana Attorney General has made an official decision to investigate these shootings, as well as to remove control of the investigation from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The HSUS views these killings as likely violations of the Louisiana anti-cruelty statute, and wants to see the perpetrator(s) accordingly punished.

HSUS CEO and President Wayne Pacelle wrote to Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., on October 3 to express our view that these incidents must be seriously investigated. The HSUS has also offered its full cooperation to the Attorney General’s office for its investigations, including monetary support if need be.

The HSUS is a frequent, experienced, and accomplished partner of law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. It is our general experience, however, that a state attorney general’s office does not typically require or even desire the financial support of a non-profit entity in order to conduct its own law enforcement investigations.

Should the Louisiana Attorney General decide otherwise, and request assistance from The HSUS, whether financial or practical, we would supply it.

For some weeks before the dog shootings came to light, and for some weeks since then, The HSUS has been totally committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of thousands of animals who remain alive. For obvious reasons, that has been our priority,and we have spent millions of dollars in Louisiana and Mississippi to advance those goals.

We are proud of our response to Hurricane Katrina. When the disturbing incidents in St. Bernard’s Parish first came to light, The HSUS decided to defer to individuals working in the field who strongly indicated that they were planning to take the lead in investigating them. Although his cautionary remarks did not determine our response, one of the individuals investigating the shootings went so far as to admonish us not to become involved, implying that The HSUS would assume the credit while others did the work. At about the same time, Pasado’s Safe Haven offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrator(s).

We concluded that there was no urgent need for us to augment that substantial incentive, although The HSUS offers such rewards throughout the nation virtually every week of the year. The views and actions of The HSUS have not been shaped at all by the claims of Pasado’s Safe Haven that it is "exclusively handling and paying for all forensic investigation on behalf of the Louisiana State Attorney’s Office," or that it is "the only group investigating this crime with the AG’s endorsement."

We did assume that, having stated its determination to investigate these disturbing incidents, Pasado’s Safe Haven would not underestimate the funds necessary to fulfill its declared commitment. Pasado’s Safe Haven has never asked The HSUS for support of its investigative work in these matters. Ironically, however, because of an ill-conceived statement on its web site, others now criticize us because we do not give Pasado’s Safe Haven the money it deems necessary to complete its work. We fully agree with Pasado’s humane objectives in this situation, but we respectfully disagree with the implication and/or conclusion that The HSUS has failed to respond appropriately to these apparent crimes.

Sincerely,

Bernard Unti, Ph.D.Senior Policy Advisor
Special Assistant to the President"

Got that?
"...we respectfully disagree with the implication and/or conclusion that The HSUS has failed to respond appropriately to these apparent crimes."

HSUS maintains the position that doing nothing is an appropriate response. But, as we've seen throughout the Katrina aftermath/pet rescue crisis, they *have* been consistent in that manner of response ... forever doing nothing.

No AC trucks
No water trucks
No mass-hiring of rescuers or veterinarians
Their refusal to pay the needed $200,000 to keep the Lamar-Dixon shelter open past September.
... Etc. ad nauseam

HSUS has revealed themselves to be little more than a money-raising organization. They fund-raise, conduct membership drives, and distribute money to themselves. Only a relative pittance goes towards the benefit of animals.

[nicknameless]

201. Some good news for NOLA pets:

"PasadoRescuers expect to be there for at least another week."

With so many thousands of pets still left behind, any rescuer presence is good news.