Read the current field notes»
June 27, 2008
In it For the Long Haul
by Scotlund Haisley
When we began our operations yesterday it seemed like the rows of caged dogs went on forever, but our team pulled together in a cohesive effort fueled by dedication and compassion to rescue more than 500 dogs from their squalid living conditions in just one day. I can breathe easy for the first time in days, knowing that we have taken every last animal out of that deplorable puppy mill.
As we made our last sweep of the place that just hours before had been the site of so much suffering and despair, I felt a wave of emotion swell within me. Seeing those empty cages made me think of the untold years that hundreds of dogs had been imprisoned there with no hope for freedom. Changing the lives of so many innocent animals in one day is a powerful thing.
It is very reassuring for me to know that these animals are under the complete authority of The Humane Society of the United States, and that they will never again face the inhumane treatment that they were subjected to in their former life. Our partner shelters locally and across the country have been amazingly responsive to our request for assistance. We have already found placement for nearly all of the 682 dogs rescued over the past two days.
While the dogs await transport to their next destination, they are being cared for by an army of volunteers in our emergency shelter. These volunteers have traveled from 30 states across the country to be here, and their work has been nothing short of heroic. I am amazed at the level of activity as I look out over the scene here.
A slew of volunteers squat around a blue plastic pool of water washing hundreds of food bowls until they shine. More volunteers oversee the continual cleaning and disinfecting of the cages. The scene is even dotted with the orange jumpsuits of local inmates who have been brought in to build temporary cages. And the volunteers performed all of these grueling tasks under the broiling Tennessee sun without slowing—until all of the dogs' needs were met.
For dogs who had been starved and kept in filthy feces-laden cages, this type of treatment is like a trip to the Ritz. As operations here begin to scale back and dogs start heading off for the shelters, I am struck by what an amazing job our diverse HSUS team has done here in Tennessee. Faced with overwhelming heat, difficult rural terrain and the monumental task of transporting 747 vulnerable animals in only two days, our team pulled together to complete the mission successfully.
June 26, 2008
For two days we assembled hundreds of crates and organized tons of supplies in an effort to prepare for the influx of rescued dogs. But we were unable to prepare ourselves for the sight that awaited us at the puppy mill. The smell of urine and feces reached us long before we could even see the animals.
Nearly 450 dogs were living in row after row of tiny hutches stacked in an overgrown field. Read the rest on Wayne's blog»
June 18, 2008
Critical Times, Lasting Rewards
by Scotlund Haisley
As Tuesday began, more volunteers moved in to help care for the 700-plus animals being housed in an emergency shelter we manage at Kirkwood Community College, in Cedar Rapids. These volunteers included people who had come from as far away as Florida, as well as local residents who lost everything in the floods—yet had the heart to care for displaced animals.
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| More than 700 animals were sheltered. ©The HSUS |
As a rule, disasters are ever-changing, and the Iowa floods are no exception.
Every day our Animal Rescue Team has spent here has been tempered with various challenges and shifting emotions.
Today, as we draw near the one-week mark of our rescue efforts, desperation is beginning to show in the eyes of people and animals alike.
Just in Time
It is easy to understand why the animals in this situation react as they do—becoming unnaturally aggressive and frantic. I think any one of us would react the same way if we were left abandoned in our homes to weather a massive storm alone in complete darkness before our safe haven was suddenly overtaken by flood waters—forcing us to seek higher ground in an enclosed space.
Just such a case occurred when we responded to a rescue request involving two dogs trapped in a house without food and water for more than a week.
Even for a healthy dog, it is extremely stressful to be left alone for such a long period of time. It was especially taxing for one of these dogs, who had a broken leg with bone exposed. Capturing him was difficult. He met our rescue with confused aggression. Eventually, we could calm his fear and bring him to safety and veterinary help.
Help for Horses, Too
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| The HSUS |
A young foal and his mother
were evacuated to shelter. |
Just as we were dropping this injured black lab off at the shelter, we received an emergency rescue request for two horses roaming fields in the nearby city of Palo. The floods had left them with no shelter and no known home. One of them was a frail, thin foal less than two days old.
"This little guy was especially vulnerable to illness because the toxic flood waters had contaminated the field in which he was grazing. At such a young age lack of proper nutrition can be deadly," said Allan Schwartz, equine rescue specialist for The HSUS.
Handling such a young foal and its mother, the other horse, can be very dangerous, and our team was charged several times during the rescue. With perseverance we were able to load mother and baby into our transport trailer and evacuate them to the shelter for much-needed medical attention and a hearty meal.
Although the animals were the ones who received a new lease on life, it is our team that is truly rewarded by these experiences. There is no better feeling than helping transform a broken-spirit through into the strong, magnificent animal it was meant to be.
June 17, 2008
Rescues, Sheltering and Reunion: All in a Day's Work
by Scotlund Haisley
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| Families find each other at the Kirkwood Community College shelter. ©The HSUS |
When families were evacuated from record flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, many beloved pets were left behind. Our rescue work is saving lives, but through our emergency sheltering efforts, we're giving the most vulnerable animals a chance to get back on their feet. And, for a growing number of pets and people in Iowa, we're providing a lifeline for families to find one another again.
Sanctuary of an Emergency Shelter
Once the animals are rescued from flooding conditions, our emergency shelter workers and volunteers take over. The efforts of the veterinarians and vet techs who have volunteered their time mean the difference between life and death for many animals.
The volunteers have been busy cleaning, assessing and providing necessary health care to every animal who has entered the emergency shelter set up at the Kirkwood Community College.
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| The HSUS |
| A look inside the temporary shelter. |
Diane Webber, director of disaster preparation and shelter management, is acting as the emergency shelter director for the mission. She has made it possible for all of us to house more than 500 animals in the shelter by coordinating paperwork, coordinating pet reunions and leading the shelter's volunteers, who move through the rows of dogs and cats every few hours to feed, walk and comfort the displaced animals.
Families, Together Again
The highlight of our work at the emergency shelter is reuniting animals with their owners. One local family that lost everything they owned made their first stop at the shelter, and waited there for four hours while rescue crews went out in a boat to save their cats.
When we received their rescue request, a team was immediately mobilized by Dean Vickers, Ohio state director for The HSUS, who is in charge of rescue logistics. As soon as the cats were returned safely to the shelter, Diane and the other facility coordinators contacted the grief-stricken family to inform them that their cats were out of danger. The entire family burst into tears of relief when they first saw their beloved pets safely returned.
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| The HSUS |
| A newborn kitten on his way to safety. |
For families coping with the loss of so much—gardens, homes, even entire communities—the lifeline of animal rescue and sheltering efforts can mean a world of difference.
Rescue Recovers Newborn Kittens
One of yesterday's rescue missions reminded me that while disasters wreak havoc they can also bring our attention to horrendous situations that would otherwise fly under the radar.
When we received the call that about 25 cats were trapped in a flood-zone house, I had a feeling that we were in for more than we expected. We entered the house with nets, cat bags and kennels, but were still unprepared for what we found inside.
The smell of rotting, water-logged carpeting and cat urine was almost unbearable, but the sight inside the home was worse than the choking fumes. Wild, unsocialized cats zoomed past us in a desperate bid to escape capture. The cats gave swift chase: It took hours to clear all 66 of them from the home.
During the rescue, we found five newborn kittens alive, and buried beneath piles of dirty laundry. I am certain that these fragile youngsters would not have lasted more than a few hours without our intervention.
The kittens are now in the care of Diane and the team at Kirkwood, and we are optimistic that they will have a better life.
Donate to help Iowa's pets»
June 16, 2008
Lifeline for Iowa's Stranded Pets
In the face of torrential floodwaters and looming tornado warnings, our team fanned out.
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| The HSUS |
| Preparing for water rescue. |
We advanced into the watery no-man’s land to
rescue animals left behind. As soon as we drove our convoy of specially equipped emergency response vehicles into the ravaged city of Cedar Rapids, residents greeted us with applause and hugs—immediately followed by desperate pleas for the rescue of their stranded pets. Even with hundreds of rescue requests flowing in, I was especially struck by the innocent plea of one little boy who was unconcerned with the fate of his video games or toys, but only longed for the safe return of his beloved dog and cat. It was an extremely rewarding experience to witness the little boy reunited with his rescued pets the very next day. His tears of joy will stick with me through the difficult days ahead.
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| The HSUS |
| Happy returns. |
As of dawn today, dozens of pets had been reunited with their families and 508 were being housed and cared for by our shelter coordination team at the
emergency shelter set up at the Kirkwood Community College.
Read the rest on Wayne's blog» | Donate to help Iowa's pets»
June 15, 2008
The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team Saves Animals in Iowa Floods
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| ©Getty Images/David Greedy |
Brandon Smith carries his two cats, Fry and Bender, to dry land
from their flooded and evacuated home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The HSUS is in Iowa to save pets from the recent floods. |
The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue team is on the ground in Cedar Rapids facing the aftermath of the worst flooding Iowa has ever seen. Even as severe thunderstorms pass through and tornado warnings circle,The HSUS is working nonstop to save and shelter displaced pets.
"Hundreds of people have lost their homes and thousands have evacuated in the face of floodwaters—but the number one concern for many of the affected residents is seeing their pets safely rescued—and that is what we are here to do," said Scotlund Haisley, HSUS senior director of emergency services. "This has been an exhausting mission, but seeing the look of relief in the eyes of each animal we have plucked from the waters has made it all worthwhile."
The HSUS is operating as the lead animal rescue organization under the request of the Iowa department of Agriculture. With seven team members on the ground, and more on the way The HSUS is performing water and land rescue as well as supervising an emergency animal shelter. Additional water rescue assistance is being provided by the Humane Society of Missouri, Code Three Associates, Cedar Rapids fire and law enforcement and all branches of the military.
The rescued animals—ranging from cats and dogs to a variety of exotic species—are being transported to an emergency shelter at Kirkwood Community College. All of the animals are being decontaminated, assessed and treated by veterinarians before entering the facility. As of Saturday evening dozens of animals had been reunited with their families and more than 300 were being housed at the emergency shelter. The rescuers still have a long road ahead—with well over 100 rescue requests pending and more than 50 additional requests coming in daily.
The challenging task of running the shelter fell on The HSUS, United Animal Nations, Pet Smart Charities, the Humane Society of Missouri, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids Animal Control, Cedar Valley Humane Societyand local area volunteers. The emergency shelter is also temporary home to animals from the Cedar Rapids Animal Control facility, which was destroyed in the flood.
While state-wide response has been amazing there are still animals in need of rescue. The HSUS is currently monitoring weather across the state for the possibility of additional deployments. With waters rising across the state—The HSUS team will continue their rescue efforts until all affected animals have been safely returned to dry land.
June 13, 2008
The Humane Society of the United States has deployed a team of trained specialists to offer logistical support and supplies, and perform water rescue of animals displaced by the floods. Mass flooding across Iowa has forced thousands of residents from their homes and more evacuations are probable as the rain continues. Read more»
June 11, 2008
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| The HSUS© |
Two rescued dogs
get a walk. |
The HSUS animal rescue team deployed to Morgan County, Ind., in response to a request for assistance in the aftermath of severe flooding in the region. Upon their arrival, the team coordinated with local officials to assess the situation and address any pressing animal needs.
The Morgan County Humane Society was housing approximately 55 dogs who were rescued after the floods. The HSUS team provided them with logistical support, much-needed pet food and other sheltering supplies.
The team was also contacted by the local sheriff's department to assist with animal rescue.
With word from the Morgan County Humane Society that no further outside help was needed, The HSUS team returned to headquarters. The rescued dogs will be held at the Morgan County Humane Society until they are reunited with their guardians or adopted.
May 22, 2008
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| ©The HSUS |
HSUS Animal Rescue team members survey tornado
damage in Oklahoma |
The Animal Rescue team has been deployed to Northern Oklahoma to help animals affected by last week's tornado. While there, members of the team have been able to make a positive impact on the city of Commerce, Okla. by revitalizing their overrun animal shelter.
After conducting a situation evaluation, the team confirmed that most of the dogs left roaming after the tornado had been rescued, but realized that the city's small animal shelter was in need of a major reorganization.
In the aftermath of the tornado, local officials had become overwhelmed and were forced to keep dogs at the shelter outside in pens with no cover from the elements, while the main room of the shelter was being used to store supplies. With the help of local officials and high school volunteers, the team was able to sort, replenish and reorganize all of the shelter's supplies in a smaller room—leaving the larger room free to house all of the shelter's dogs.
The team then built pens in the larger room and moved all of the dogs into their comfortable new environment. Not only are the animals now inside and protected, but the equipment and supplies are organized and the building is clean and neat. Local officials were thrilled with the changes, and hopeful that this will help them run the shelter more smoothly in the future.
This deployment is a great example of what a little bit of inspiration and hard work can do to improve a difficult situation. The dogs at the shelter will be reunited with their guardians or put up for adoption.
May 16, 2008
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| The HSUS© |
An HSUS team member rescues kittens
in Arkansas. |
Our animal rescue team deployed to Stuttgart, Ark. to provide expert assistance in the aftermath of last week's deadly tornado.
In Stuttgart alone, more than 250 homes were damaged or destroyed by the tornado and hundreds of animals were left roaming the town. With the local animal shelter over capacity and animal control officers overwhelmed, the expertise of the animal rescue team was in high demand.
Upon their arrival, our team assessed the situation and identified the need for a temporary shelter to house the animals left homeless in the wake of the storm. The team is assisting in setting up the shelter and is providing cages, sheltering supplies and food to ensure the animals are comfortable in the temporary facility.
All of the animals currently roaming the town are being transported to the temporary shelter, where they will be reunited with their guardians. The pets who are not claimed will be put up for adoption.
May 8, 2008
Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States Deploy Animal Rescue Experts to Chile After Volcanic Eruption
Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States have been in communication with Chilean animal welfare organizations since the eruption earlier this week and have now sent highly trained animal rescue specialists to the affected area. The evacuation forced residents to leave behind approximately 4,000 companion animals and 50,000 farm animals to fend for themselves.
The team will deploy to Chile on Thursday, and travel to heavily impacted Chaitén.
"After hearing that local news reports are calling Chaitén a 'City taken by dogs', due to the large number of animals wandering the now-abandoned streets, I knew we had to move quickly in order to save these desperate animals," said Scotlund Haisley, HSUS senior director of emergency services. "We are also attempting to get animal rescue specialists into Myanmar to help animals in areas devastated by the recent cyclone."
In Chile, HSI/HSUS expertise was urgently needed, as the volcano continues to billow poisonous ash, spew lava and endanger the many animals stranded there. Drinking sources in the evacuated town of Chaitén have been contaminated by volcanic ash and food supplies are scarce, leaving the animals in a dire situation.
HSI/HSUS animal rescue personnel will join forces with Chilean animal welfare groups ACUAA and CEFU, with whom HSI has fostered long-standing relationships. The goal will be to offer fresh food, water and medical assistance to affected animals. The HSUS will also strive to assist in reuniting animals with their families once residents are permitted to return to their homes.
For an update on our team's work in Chile please see Wayne Pacelle's recent blog entry: http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2008/05/chile-volcano.html
May 7, 2008
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| The HSUS © |
| Dogs in KY Sanctuary before transport |
The Humane Society of the United States, in partnership with the Bowling Green Humane Society, will remove 64 dogs Thursday from an overcrowded animal sanctuary that is closing its doors. The HSUS Animal Rescue team will remove the dogs from the Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary in Butler County, Ky. The dogs will then be assessed and checked by a veterinarian at the Bowling Green Humane Society. After spending a night at the Bowling Green Humane Society all 64 dogs will travel comfortably in the HSUS’ fully-equipped animal transport vehicle to the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. There, they will be adopted out into loving homes.
April 30, 2008
Eyes On the West Coast
Our Emergency Services team has been monitoring the California wildfires, which were reportedly 60 percent contained as of Tuesday afternoon. HSUS regional staff are keeping tabs on several areas affected by the fires and will advise Emergency Services if any assistance is requested.The Animal Rescue team is also monitoring the Nevada earthquake and is available to respond to either of the affected areas if local officials request our assistance.
April 29, 2008
Eyes On Virginia
Our Emergency Services team has reached out to state and local officials to see if we can be of any assistance after three tornadoes ripped through southern Virginia, damaging dozens of homes and injuring more than 200 people. While officials have not yet reported any animals in need, we will continue to communicate with the proper officials and send out our Animal Rescue team to assist if necessary.
April 24, 2008
The Humane Society of the Unites States' Animal Rescue Team has successfully completed the rescue of 11 malnourished horses living in inhumane conditions in Gadsen County, Fl. The HSUS was called in by local authorities toassist in this ongoing case. The owner was not able to provide the proper care for the horses, and therefore chose to surrender them.
The HSUS Animal Rescue Team then came in with their specialized transport equipment and removed all 11 horses. They are now at the Florida Agriculture and Mining University being vetted and awaiting adoption.
"These horses were visibly gaunt and lacked access to adequate food. They were also living in inhumane conditions and were obviously not being cared for properly," said Melissa Forberg, HSUS Emergency Services respondent. "I am glad that we were able to intervene and rescue these horses from a potentially deadly situation. They all have healthy, happy lives ahead of them."
This type of rescue is made possible by The HSUS’ well-structured alert and response system. In this case, local authorities contacted Southeast Regional Office Director Laura Bevan to apprise her of the situation at hand. Bevan then reached out to Animal Rescue Team members in the area who were able to respond quickly to rescue the horses and transport them to a safe environment.
April 21, 2008
By Scotlund Haisley
After traveling more than 1,000 miles in two days, the 47 dogs removed from an overcrowded shelter in Osceola, Mo. have reached their final destination at Main Line Animal Rescue in Chester Springs, Pa. These dogs, who were rescued from a hoarding situation and Missouri puppy mills, will now live out their lives in loving forever homes.
This transport was a true collaborative effort—with 5 local organizations working alongside The HSUS to save the lives of these needy animals.
When our Animal Rescue team arrived at the Osceola city animal shelter on Friday, we found 47 anxious dogs being housed in the tiny, unequipped facility. Once the dogs were loaded into our custom-built transport vehicle they quickly settled in for the ride.
We stopped at the Missouri Humane Society, the Humane Society of Indianapolis and the Franklin County Humane Society for three much-needed pit stops during the trip. Staff there helped our Animal Rescue Team feed and exercise the dogs while the transport van was cleaned and readied for the remainder of the trip. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who helped to complete this mission.
"The dogs are all happy, safe and ready to start new lives," said Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue. "Although they got a rough start in life, these dogs are all surprisingly resilient and should be easy to place in new homes."
The whole HSUS crew let out a sigh of relief when all 47 dogs finally reached Main Line Animal Rescue on Sunday. They will be vetted and evaluated there before being put up for adoption. We are confident that all of the dogs have bright, happy lives waiting ahead.
April 18, 2008
The HSUS Transfers Animals from Missouri Hoarding Case and Puppy Mills to Pennsylvania for Adoption
When The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team pulled up to the overburdened animal shelter in Osceola, Mo. they were greeted by 53 dogs rescued from a hoarding situation and several local puppy mills. The HSUS will transport these dogs to Pennsylvania, where they will be given a chance at finding loving forever homes.
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| The HSUS |
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"The animal control officer here is working out of an outdated, unequipped facility, and desperately needed assistance to save these animals from a life of confinement and neglect," said Scotlund Haisley, HSUS senior director of emergency services. "Up to this point, these dogs have never been shown human kindness, but thankfully we are here to give them a new lease on life."
The HSUS' Animal Rescue Team arrived in Osceola on Friday to load the animals into its 75-foot custom-built animal transport vehicle for their journey. The dogs will be delivered to Main Line Animal Rescue in Chester Springs, Pa on Sunday. The animals will be evaluated and medically treated prior to being put up for adoption.
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| The HSUS |
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Of the 53 dogs, 17 came from a hoarding situation and the rest were rescued by the animals control officer from local puppy mills. The puppy mill dogs are mainly female yorkies, Pomeranians and beagles that have ceased to produce puppies, and are therefore of no use to the puppy mill owners. Because of the cruel nature of puppy mills many of these unwanted dogs are simply shot or left out to starve. Thanks to the intervention of one dedicated animal control officer and the assistance of The HSUS these lucky dogs will get another chance at life.
"Right now these dogs are wary of humans due to being institutionalized their whole lives, but pretty soon they will be like new dogs. Their first experience walking on grass is always a touching moment. Because they have been housed in chicken-wire crates they basically walk like a cat with tape on the paws of his feet. Seeing them learn to walk properly and enjoying the outdoors for the first time is very rewarding," added Haisley.
April 5, 2008
A horse who had been trapped on a ledge in Ohio is back with his herd. Last night, HSUS animal rescuers rappelled down to the horse to provide him with food and water. When they returned this morning to begin a rescue operation, they found the horse had found his own way off the ledge. The horse and his herd are owned, said a local Animal Control Officer.
The HSUS spoke with area residents about a downed fence and advised them how to put an attractive barrier at the top of the ravine so more animals won't be at future risk. One HSUS animal rescuer spent some time with local fire and rescue personnel and gave them tips about large animal rescue.
April 4, 2008
The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team has been deployed to assist in rescuing a horse who has been stranded in a ravine in Powhatan Point, Ohio since Thursday. Days End Farm Horse Rescue has requested The HSUS's large animal handling expertise.
The horse is now on a ledge near the Ohio-West Virginia border.
The HSUS will be on the ground at 11 p.m. tonight and will assess the situation for a morning rescue. The HSUS has a helicopter on standby. One possible means of rescue is to cut a walking trail from the horse's location to a point where the horse can then either get to the top or bottom of the ravine.
View a slideshow about the stranded horse.
April 1, 2008
By Scotlund Haisley
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| The HSUS |
Field responder Melissa Forberg
unloads an excited dog in Florida! |
St. BERNARD PARISH, La.— A new life started Monday for the animals from the soon-to-close St. Bernard Parish animal shelter in Louisiana.
Freed from the shelter that had been, in some cases, their only home, the 43 dogs and eight cats traveled to their new home in Florida in our custom-built, air-conditioned emergency transport vehicle.
There, thanks to the SPCA of Tampa Bay and the Humane Society of Broward County, they have an excellent chance of adoption.
It took only about two hours to load the animals in Louisiana during the weekend. They were excited at first, but soon settled in for the trip. I think they knew that something good was happening for them.
As our transport vehicle pulled up to the Tampa Bay facility after the 10-hour drive, the dogs and cats acted like they couldn't wait to experience their temporary new homes in the shelter. And it didn't take long to realize that these animals were in for a very good future. As the staff at Tampa Bay saw each animal, we heard over and over "Oh, isn't she pretty!" and "This one will get adopted so fast!" Fantastic news for animals that last week had little or no chance of being adopted to a loving family.
Tampa Bay kept all eight cats and nine of the dogs, and after a good night's sleep (for both dogs and humans) we continued on to Ft. Lauderdale with the 34 remaining dogs. There we received the same wonderful reaction and the dogs took the next step in their journey to their new life.
Our animal rescue team is proud to be able to offer these animals a chance for happiness. We’re here for the animals, always.
March 31, 2008
The HSUS Transfers Animals from New Orleans area to Florida for Adoption
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| The HSUS |
| Loading up for the trip to Florida. |
Forty-four dogs and eight cats are arriving in Florida for adoption after being moved out of the New Orleans area by The Humane Society of the United States to make way for a new animal shelter to be constructed in St. Bernard Parish.
The HSUS's animal rescue team arrived in St. Bernard Parish, La. Friday to load the animals for their journey. The team delivered the homeless animals to the SPCA in Tampa Bay, Fla. on Sunday and then The HSUS's 75-foot animal transport vehicle continued on to the Humane Society of Broward County in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
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| The HSUS |
| St. Bernard Parish shelter. |
The animals will be evaluated and medically treated prior to being put up for adoption.
This animal transfer is part of The HSUS's continuing efforts to assist in the Gulf Coast.
Some of the animals survived the storm, some were surrendered by owners, and others belonged to temporary residents.
Two of the dogs who were transferred to new Florida shelters, German shepherds named Big Sis and Lil' Sis, were picked up as strays after they were turned loose at a construction site. Using the dogs' tags, shelter staff tracked down the owners—construction workers who had traveled to New Orleans to help rebuild—but the workers said they didn't want them anymore.
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| The HSUS |
| A young pup is ready to go. |
Now, Big Sis and Lil' Sis will get a fresh start toward becoming part of a Florida family. The HSUS expressed gratitude to the shelters that so kindly accepted these animals:
Humane Society of Broward County
SPCA Tampa Bay
March 28, 2008
The Animal Rescue Team is deploying to St. Bernard Parish in New Orleans, La. They will be helping to transfer dogs from closing shelter and transferring them to a shelter in a nearby state.
March 25, 2008
The team is delivering pet food to Caruthersville, Piedmont and Poplar Bluff, Mo. today and then heading home as waters start to recede.
March 24, 2008
Scotlund Haisley, senior director of emergency services at The HSUS penned a guest blog from the field today about the floods. Read it here.
March 22, 2008
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| The HSUS |
| The HSUS's team leads horses out of Missouri floodwaters March 21. |
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo.—The HSUS Animal Rescue Team responded to a call about horses stranded in flood waters. It was late afternoon so the team had to race to beat nightfall. Once on the scene, the team realized that there were live power lines in the water and were delayed in their endeavors so that local authorities could cut-off power to the grid surrounding the stranded animals. Once the area was secured, rescue efforts resumed. The horses appeared excited at the sight of the rescuers, and within minutes, the team led the scared and hungry horses through several feet of floodwater to safety. "It's an odd feeling boating on what seems to be a pleasant day, but then you look around and you see a roof at eye level and street below where a community resided just days before," said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of Emergency Management for The HSUS.
While continuing to patrol, the team found cats stranded on a porch surrounded by two feet of water. They saw there were adult cats and newborn kittens, so young they still had their umbilical cords. The cats appeared not to have eaten in the days they were stranded by flooding. The cats were later reunited with grateful family members.
March 20, 2008
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI—The Humane Society of the United States has deployed its Animal Rescue Team to flooded Missouri at the request of the Missouri Humane Society to help animals in distress.
The HSUS has the only nationwide, full-time animal rescue team. The team responds to man-made disasters, natural disasters and handles other crisis requests for service.
The HSUS saved more than 16,000 animals in 2006-2007 and was instrumental in assisting with the passage of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act in Congress, which requires that animals are included in community disaster planning.
- Team expertise includes working with companion animals, horses and farm animals. Response services include assessment of animal-related needs; emergency search and rescue of animals (including humane trapping); establishment and management of temporary emergency animal shelters; evacuation support; veterinary evaluation of animals; relocation and support of disaster-affected animal facilities and volunteer management.
- The HSUS has a modern, well-equipped fleet of self-sufficient response vehicles. These include a command center with satellite communication, mobile animal shelters and climate-controlled transport trailers, veterinary equipment, boats, all-terrain vehicles and support vehicles.
