Missouri Flood Rescue Diary

April 4-6, 2008

Southeastern Missouri: The Humane Society of Missouri Emergency Response Team continues to keep a close watch on the area for potential flooding in coming days.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Southeastern Missouri: The Humane Society of Missouri Emergency Response Team left St. Louis at 6:00 AM to deliver animal crates to areas in Southeaster Missouri affecting by flooing water. The team brought supplies to animal shelters in Caruthersville and Piedmont. The crates and bowls were dontated by PetsMart Charities and the Humane Society delivered additional supplies including Purina brand pet food.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

St. Louis City: The Humane Society of Missouri received a donation of 500 animal crates and washable pet dishes from PetsMart Charities to help aid animals displaced and orphaned from the floods in Missouri. The Humane Society of Missouri will use these carriers to create emergency shelters in disaster situations in Missouri, Southern Illinois, Northern Kentucky and Northern Arkansas. The Humane Society of Missouri is the lead animal rescue organization for the entire state of Missouri and works closely with Missouri's State Emergency Management Association (SEMA) to assist pet owners during emergencies.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Caruthersville, MO: For the second time in three days, the Humane Society of Missouri Emergency Rescue Team traveled to the Caruthersville Humane Society to rescue another group of 39 dogs, including 16 puppies, and 18 cats who have been orphaned by the threat of flood. The Caruthersville Humane Society requested the assistance of the Humane Society of Missouri because of the influx of animals they’ve received as a result of the flood crisis.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Southeastern Missouri: Members of the Humane Society of Missouri Emergency Rescue Team has been dispatched to Stoddard, Wayne and Butler Counties to provide flood relief to pet owners. The Team, working with PetsMart Charities, delivered Purina brand pet food to Red Cross and Salvation Army shelters in Advance, Piedmont and Popular Bluff, Missouri. The pet food will help owners replace their personal supply which was contaminated by flood waters.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Caruthersville, MO: The Humane Society of Missouri rescued 37 dog and 11 cats that were displaced by the rising flood waters of the Mississippi River. Many of these animals are pets that have been surrendered by their owners as a result of the emergency situation. We will continue to monitor the rising waters in the Caruthersville area and when necessary return to the area for further assistance. The team left on Sunday afternoon and arrived at the Macklind Avenue Headquarters on Monday morning. By accepting these animals we are providing them with a second chance in St. Louis and helping the Caruthersville shelter to continue to provide emergency relief to pet owners in that community. When the animals receive a clean bill of health, they will be available for adoption.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

St. Louis County: The Humane Society of Missouri Emergency Rescue Team has been dispatched to St. Louis County to assist an owner with a herd of cattle. The HSMO six-member team responded with members of the Missouri Emergency Response Service to help rescue the cattle trapped by rising flood waters. Yesterday, in a similar rescue, the team rescued five calves and moved 10 other cattle to higher ground to avoid the approaching flood water.

The team is equipped with a boat and are dressed in dry suits to protect them from the elements. The air temperate is near 40 degrees and the water is much colder than the air. These high-tech suits protect the team members from the cold but also the pollutants found in the contaminated water.

St. Louis City: The Humane Society of Missouri Macklind Avenue Headquarters has been transformed into an emergency shelter for pets displaced by the flooding. The shelter has received a few animals, mostly from the Arnold area, and is expecting more as the rivers crest. To contact the Humane Society of Missouri emergency shelter, please call (314) 951-1562.

BART, the Humane Society of Missouri's Rapid Response Unit has returned from providing pet aid in Popular Bluff, MO, is restocked and ready to respond to any immediate rescue situation. BART is a state-of-the art rescue trailer that is a self-contained mobile animal shelter. BART is equipped with permanent animal transportation cages, wired for electricity, provides a climate controlled environment for rescued animals and is always ready to respond to animal rescues and natural disasters.

South Central Missouri: Humane Society of Missouri Emergency Rescue Team partnered with members from the Humane Society of the United States are responding to rescue calls in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott and Stoddard Counties. They are evaluating situations and keeping a close eye on the rivers that are expected to crest at 42 feet on Sunday at 7 pm.

Caruthersville, MO: The Humane Society of Missouri partnered with members of Code Three Associates from Colorado responded to Caruthersville, MO to assist with water rescues. Code Three is an emergency response team that specializes in hands-on animal rescue operations, especially water rescues, during disaster events. The Caruthersville Humane Society contacted the Humane Society of Missouri requesting disaster relief. The Humane Society of Missouri has also contact the ASPCA of Kansas City to send 3-5 qualified shelter workers to provide relief to Caruthersville Humane Society staff.