The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue team is on the ground in Cedar Rapids facing the aftermath of the worst flooding Iowa has ever seen. Even as severe thunderstorms pass through and tornado warnings circle, The HSUS is working nonstop to save and shelter displaced pets.
"Hundreds of people have lost their homes and thousands have evacuated in the face of floodwaters – but the number one concern for many of the affected residents is seeing their pets safely rescued – and that is what we are here to do," said Scotlund Haisley, HSUS senior director of emergency services. "This has been an exhausting mission, but seeing the look of relief in the eyes of each animal we have plucked from the waters has made it all worthwhile."
The HSUS is operating as the lead animal rescue organization under the request of the Iowa department of Agriculture. With seven team members on the ground, and more on the way The HSUS is performing water and land rescue as well as supervising an emergency animal shelter. Additional water rescue assistance is being provided by the Humane Society of Missouri, Code Three Associates, Cedar Rapids fire and law enforcement and all branches of the military.
The rescued animals – ranging from cats and dogs to a variety of exotic species – are being transported to an emergency shelter at Kirkwood Community College. All of the animals are being decontaminated, assessed and treated by veterinarians before entering the facility. As of Saturday evening dozens of animals had been reunited with their families and more than 300 were being housed at the emergency shelter. The rescuers still have a long road ahead – with well over 100 rescue requests pending and more than 50 additional requests coming in daily.
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/the_hsus_animal_rescue_team_saves_animals_iowa_floods.html