October 9, 2005
Pembroke, MA (October 9, 2005) -- Shelters and rescue organizations in Massachusetts accepted the first group of pets displaced by Hurricane Katrina today when a truckload carrying thirty-nine dogs arrived at the Animal Rescue League facility in Pembroke. The Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC), the Department of Agricultural Resources, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, coordinated the initiative.
The dogs, who came from Monroe, Louisiana, were examined and bathed by a team of experts upon arrival. Depending on each animal's condition, they will remain quarantined for a minimum of 48 hours in accordance with state health regulations. Beginning Tuesday or Wednesday, they will be picked up by various registered shelters and animal rescue groups across the state and placed in their volunteer foster homes where they will stay until they are hopefully reunited with their families. Those pets who cannot be reunited will be put up for adoption in Massachusetts.
"The importance of the safety and security of animals during disasters is taken very seriously here in the Commonwealth," stated Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Cristine McCombs. "We have formalized the 'State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team' (SMART) in response to the Animal Protection Annex which was attached to State Emergency Management Plan in 2004."
The New Balance Foundation, the charitable arm of the national footwear and apparel company based in Brighton, Mass., generously donated the funds needed to transport this first group of animals, a cost of approximately $4000. Additional donations are urgently needed to rescue more pets from the devastated areas.
"The New Balance Foundation recognizes the magnitude of this catastrophe and the emotional costs to those affected by Hurricane Katrina," said Katherine Shepard, New Balance Sr. Corporate Communications Manager. "To many people, the loss of a pet is a loss of a family member. We are happy to assist our local humane societies in this rescue effort and know that these animals will find a safe home."
All three animal welfare organizations have established special funds to help transport more animals to Massachusetts and to aid the rescue efforts currently taking place in Louisiana and Mississippi.
"This has been a huge endeavor," said MAC President Anne Lindsay. "As a coalition of animal welfare professionals and volunteers, MAC has worked tirelessly with many organizations, both local and national, in an effort to bring animals to safety into Massachusetts. This entire disaster has been tugging at the collective heartstrings of animal people everywhere, so seeing these sweet faces and knowing that we can provide them with a gentle resting place is enough to make hearts sing."
"This is an extension of the state's "Operation Helping Hands" that is reaching out to paws," said MSPCA Vice President of Animal Protection Carter Luke. "These animals are probably scared and confused. I'm sure that together we'll be able to help them through this difficult transition and make them comfortable while they're in our care and beyond."
"Our Pembroke staff has evaluated the health of each pet and is now providing food, shelter and immediate care," said Animal Rescue League Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Gilman. "Our veterinary and animal care team will continue to monitor each animal during the required quarantine period. We are proud of the work accomplished by MAC and are committed to continuing to play a role in this important project."
Foster homes have already been screened and selected for this group of dogs. Individuals interested in fostering future pets should register with their local animal shelter or rescue organization. The best way for the public to support this initiative is by contributing to the funds established by MAC, the MSPCA and the ARL to aid Katrina's pets. Information on each fund is below.
How the Public Can Help:
MSPCA Natural Disaster Relief Fund – Funds will help provide veterinary care for displaced pets who enter Massachusetts. Funds will also be used to help rebuild the animal shelters that were destroyed by Katrina. Visit www.mspca.org.
MAC Disaster Relief Fund – Funds will pay for the transport of more animals to Massachusetts and help defray the costs that MAC and shelters and rescue organizations will assume due to the influx of animals. Visit www.massanimalcoalition.org.
Animal Rescue League Disaster Relief Fund – Funds will be used to provide shelter and veterinary care for those affected animals who are cared for at our Pembroke shelter and for our rescue team's work in New Orleans immediately following Hurricane Katrina. Visit www.arlboston.org.
