The HSUS/C. Sisneros

Richard Palmer, one of many inmates who cared for Katrina's animal victims at DCI.

The Humane Society of the United States today announced a significant partnership with Dixon Correctional Institute and Louisiana State University to care for Louisiana's animals, particularly in the event of a natural disaster. 

Standing on the steps of Louisiana's State Capitol along with representatives of DCI and LSU, Humane Society President and CEO Wayne Pacelle committed $600,000 to fund the construction of an emergency animal shelter and a medical clinic on the prison's grounds.

"The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to be a major agent of change for animals in Louisiana," said Pacelle. "This action is the latest in a series of efforts by The HSUS to improve the humane infrastructure in the state and to leave it stronger than it was before Katrina struck."   

Following Hurricane Katrina, The HSUS and other groups sprang into action to rescue and house the animals left homeless by Hurricane Katrina. In all, more than 10,000 animals were rescued.  More than 2,500 animals were reunited with their families, and the remaining were adopted into new and loving homes all across the country.

In the event of a future evacuation or natural disaster, the new Dixon shelter—once completed—will provide housing for 300 to 500 animals with the ability to add extra capacity if needed. Trained inmates at Dixon will care for the animals while at their temporary home, allowing the prisoners to positively benefit from the experience.

"This is a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Dixon Warden James LeBlanc. "In addition to the benefit for the animals, the inmates have a long-term opportunity to incorporate animal care and handling into their rehabilitation regimens."

The new medical facility, which will feature a fully equipped surgical suite, will be staffed by veterinarians and veterinary students from LSU. In addition to providing medical care during disasters, the clinic will also provide non-emergency veterinary services to underserved animal populations.

"On behalf of everyone at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, I would like to thank the HSUS for this tremendous grant not only in support of animal shelters in the devastated and still recovering areas of south Louisiana but also in support of student education in shelter medicine," said David Senior, Associate Dean of LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine. "We are extremely grateful for this assistance to address a critical need in the community. The HSUS should be applauded for this program." 

In addition to the current project with LSU, The Humane Society of the United States has previously awarded the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine with an $800,000 grant to launch a community animal health program. The program, which began in spring 2007, provides students with surgical and medical exposure by serving the needs of animal control facilities and animal shelters.