In the News

Humane Society of Missouri provides immediate response to persons and pets affected by Pin Oak levee breach near Winfield, Missouri

June 27, 2008 - The Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team was on the scene early this morning following the breach of the Pin Oak levee near Winfield, Missouri. Our Mobile Animal Rescue Trailer immediately opened to receive and provide temporary shelter for pets displaced by the flash flooding east of Winfield. Additional Humane Society Animal Care staff have been deployed to the scene to help with sheltering and rescue efforts.

Forty-three pets were received today by personnel at our temporary shelter. These are cats stranded on and under porches by unexpected rising water, dogs that need temporary boarding as their owner, who's home has been invaded by mucky flood waters, makes longer-term arrangements for them.

"When we help the animals; we help the people,” says Debbie Hill, vice president of Operations for the Humane Society of Missouri, who has been slogging through waist- deep, rancid flood waters every day for the past two weeks rescuing dogs, cats, a mini horse and several roosters as levees breach and water invades homes and farmland along the Mississippi River in Missouri. “We’ve had people coming to us in tears saying they can’t believe we are here looking out for the animals,” says Hill. “They are very relieved to know their beloved pets will be safe and well cared for.”

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