Laura Bevan is on the ground in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, directing HSUS's National Disaster Animal Response Teams in Mississippi.
Through these journal entries, filed over the course of HSUS's largest-ever disaster response, she'll record her observations and share her views—about days responding to animal emergencies and about the activities of her teams, who are working day and night to provide shelter and relief to Katrina's animal victims.
More About Laura
Laura Bevan, Incident Commander of The HSUS's National Disaster Animal Response Teams in Mississippi, has extensive background and experience in responding to natural disasters. Bevan has led animal rescue and relief work during Hurricanes Andrew, Fran, Hugo, Opal, and Georges; the Midwest floods of 1993; the Georgia/Florida floods of 1994; the Florida Fires of 1998; Hurricane Floyd in 1999; and Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne in 2004.
Bevan served on the ad hoc committee that developed Florida's disaster plan for animals and currently chairs the Florida Animal Disaster Planning Advisory Committee (ADPAC). In 1993, she was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) for her efforts during Hurricane Andrew. In 1998, the Florida Animal Control Association recognized her efforts to promote disaster planning for animals by naming her "Humanitarian of the Year." In March 2000, Bevan helped to plan the first ever National Animal Disaster Conference, in Orlando, Florida.
Bevan has been director of The HSUS's Southeast Regional Office (SERO) in Tallahassee, Florida since 1992. In that capacity, she oversees The HSUS's regional work in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. She joined The HSUS in 1987 as SERO's Program Coordinator.
During her years with The HSUS, Bevan has conducted investigations of animal dealers, animal hoarders, horse and dog racing, animal fighting, and ritual animal sacrifice. She has lobbied state legislatures in the Southeast and has been instrumental in securing the passage of animal protection laws, including legislation dealing with animal fighting, humane euthanasia, felony animal cruelty, dangerous dogs, and pet shops. Bevan has also served as a consultant to humane groups and local governments seeking to enhance their local ordinances and improve their shelter facilities. She has conducted numerous shelter evaluations and led workshops in shelter standards, sanitation, and other topics.
