Words and pictures cannot describe the devastation witnessed by the
Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team when they arrived in
Joplin less than 24 hours after an F5 tornado ripped through the small
Missouri town. As emergency response crews rushed to aid the people of
Joplin, HSMO deployed a 23-person team of specially trained disaster
responders and rescuers to help the area's animals.
HSMO's Emergency Sheltering Team immediately began working with Joplin Animal Control to operate the
temporary shelter for pets owned by displaced residents staying at the
nearby Red Cross Shelter. While this team gave loving care to pets in
the temporary shelter, HSMO's Disaster Response Team addressed the
destruction head on as they searched the area for animals in need.
Disaster responders spent days combing the rubble and wreckage for
animals in distress and providing food and water for those in hiding.
The Humane Society of Missouri's search and rescue efforts in
Joplin drew to a close on Monday, June 6. From dogs and cats to chickens
and hermit crabs, the Disaster Response Team rescued hundreds of
animals and brought them to safety. We would like to extend a heartfelt
thank you to everyone who donated their time, supplies and money to
assist with this rescue. It was a privilege to serve the Joplin
community, and we are hopeful for many happy reunions of Joplin's people
and their pets.
Watch exclusive footage of HSMO's Disaster Response Team in Joplin:
