How To Help The Animals Affected By Hurricane Katrina

Sep 02 '05    Write an essay on this topic.


The Bottom Line Animals need help too!

As most of you know, I'm a huge animal lover. I breed exotic parrots, have parrots as pets, mini dachshunds, a cat, the kids have turtles, hamsters and fish. I cannot imagine losing any of these guys. I know many of you are wondering what is happening with the animals. I will attempt to provide as much information here as I can and also give you information on how to donate to a relief fund for the animals.

With the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, many pets were left behind in New Orleans during the evacuation. Most of those lost their lives. However, efforts have been made to save as many as possible. Pets that made it out with their owners are being held at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. Pets are not allowed in shelters due to sanitation and therefore are separated from their owners. From there they are sent to various locations in Louisiana and Texas for housing. Current locations of shelters I know of are The Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus which is being staffed 24 hours by local vets, vet students and other volunteers. The others are located throughout the state in Lafayette, LA, Shreveport, LA, and Monroe, LA.

There are many needs at these locations to take care of the animals. They are in dire need of food, kennels, crates, leashes, bowls, sheets, paper towels, cat litter, trash bags, pooper scoopers, etc.

Many animals need medical attention. All of these services are being provided. Cash donations are needed most of all.

I have had a couple of inquires asking how can they help the animals in need as a result of Hurricane Katrina. A fund has been set up through the Dr. Walter J. Ernst, Jr. Veterinary Memorial Foundation at the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. To donate call 1-800-524-2996 and designate your donation to go to the Disaster Relief Fund. You can also mail a check to the following address:

LVMA
8550 United Plaza Blvd.
Suite 1001
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Again, on the memo line of your check be sure to put Disaster Relief Fund.

Another relief fund was set up for the Avian World of Parrots by the American Federation of Aviculture. This fund was actually started last year I believe with all the hurricanes that hit the State of Florida. The goal of this fund is as follows, "The American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. (AFA) has established a Disaster Relief Program to assist aviculturists who have been affected by natural events such as hurricanes, wild fires, earthquakes, etc. Disaster relief is available to provide immediate and short term assistance to aviculturists and their birds."

For assistance or to make a donation to this fund contact:

Matt Schmit - AFA South Central Regional Director

Email: aves75@loriinae.com

In closing, I just want to ask for your continued prayers for everyone in this area. Everyone has been affected by this storm. Everyone knows someone who lost it all..home and/or family members and friends. Tempers are flaring, emotions are high. Traffic is horrible. Population has increased this week by over 100,000. Please pray for this area, for peace and patience in the clean-up efforts.

© 2005 Birdfeather

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