Hurricane Katrina Rescue Diary

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	August 31, 2005

Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Rescue Team Leaves St. Louis, Missouri

The Humane Society of Missouri today sent a Disaster Response Team to a staging area in Jackson, Mississippi to assist national and local animal welfare and emergency management organizations in the rescue of pets affected by Hurricane Katrina.  

The team consists of six Rescue & Investigation officers, a shelter manager and a licensed veterinary technician in five vehicles, including a disaster response trailer that can hold 50-100 animals. The team is also taking a livestock trailer equipped for large or small animals, a 14-ft. Jon boat, a support equipment trailer (with generators, chain saws, animal food and other supplies) and an RV to serve as living quarters.

When asked what Missouri pet lovers can do to help, Cyndi Nason, Adoption Centers Director, responded, "Please give money. Gasoline will cost us a fortune. If they can't give money, we'll always gladly accept things from our wish list, like newspaper and bleach."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humane Society of Missouri President Kathy Warnick echoed Nason's request for financial contributions. "We rented the RV last night. It was difficult to find one - most were already rented for the long Labor Day weekend. We welcome donations to offset the cost of gasoline and the RV.

The rescue team's first priority is to rescue animals and work with local authorities to reunite them with their families.  It is currently unknown if they will bring any animals back to St. Louis.

The Humane Society of Missouri is greatly concerned for the welfare of the people and animals affected by Hurricane Katrina.  The rescue team must be prepared for all conditions including alligators, insect infestations, snakes and high water.  The team will stay as long as a week.  The Humane Society of Missouri has responded to other disasters - both within Missouri and outside the state - including tornadoes in Oklahoma in 1999, floods in North Dakota in 2000 and tornadoes and floods in Missouri.

 

 

 

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