My mom asked if I would help spread the word about The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Make sure to check out the Hurricane Katrina FAQs.
The President of ASPCA, Ed Sayres, addresses rumors regarding animal treatment in New Orleans:
The ASPCA has been on-site in the New Orleans area since Monday, August 29, working as part of a coalition of animal welfare agencies to conduct animal rescues, treat and shelter thousands of pets lost and abandoned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We are privileged to be able to help the animals in this disaster, and will do so until the last one is safe.
The conditions in the disaster zone are unbelievably difficult, and rescuers are working around the clock to do everything possible for both human and animal victims. Toward this end, the ASPCA is doing its best to focus, keep calm and stay true to our mission: Save Animals. Unfortunately, the tragedy doesn't end with an animal's rescue. Designated facilities (the Lamar-Dixon Exposition Center and Louisiana State University) are over capacity, and the spread of disease is rapidly becoming an issue not only for those animals not yet found, but for those already in overcrowded facilities.
Yes, some of the unfortunate stories you are hearing are true. There are confirmed reports of animals being shot in local parishes. From what we have been able to determine, there are genuine issues of public safety. There are concerns about protecting the integrity of human remains. And there has been a loss of command and control in some of the areas where law enforcement officials do not understand how to handle free-roaming dogs. To make matters worse, vandals and looters with firearms are a threat. On behalf of concerned citizens, ASPCA Public Information coordinator Luiza Grunebaum contacted the office of Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco to inquire about the dog shootings that took place in St. Bernard's Parish. According to a governor's aide, the shootings occurred under the orders of Sgt. Mike Minton, the sheriff, who "took this upon himself." Grunebaum was told the shootings have ceased, and Sgt. Minton faces disciplinary charges as a result of his directive.
Along with numerous other humane groups, we are doing everything we can to get as many animals out as possible. We understand how frustrating it can be to hear radio and television reports and feel helpless. We also know how much you care about the animals--we do, too.
We are working with state, local and federal officials to keep order and make sure the animal rescue effort is successful and keeps moving forward. The scale and type of this disaster has never before been experienced. Fortunately, heroes are emerging every day.
We continue to work 24/7 to save as many animals as possible in the region, and ultimately hope to reunite as many as possible with their owners.
We are grateful for the continued outpouring of support for our animal rescue efforts and for the concern for ASPCA staff members, who are conducting water rescues and regularly find themselves in very precarious positions. Our ground crew is providing daily updates on our website, http://www.aspca.org/, which also contains more information about our hurricane relief efforts.
In New Orleans and across the country, the ASPCA and its dedicated employees are working tirelessly to ensure that each and every animal affected by Hurricane Katrina is cared for. Thanks again for your support.
Edwin J. SayresASPCA President & CEO
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