More Money Directed to Gulf Organizations for Capital and Operational Costs
WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States announced today that it has spent or committed $25 million on emergency aid and programs to help people and animals recover from Hurricane Katrina and other disasters that occurred in 2005. In Katrina's aftermath, The HSUS has also taken steps to develop a highly capable and comprehensive animal disaster response team, with experts in rescue, sheltering, logistics, technology and veterinary services working under a newly hired director of its disaster services section.
The HSUS's expenditures include over $5.5 million on direct field rescue and operations related to Katrina; $7 million in reconstruction grants to rebuild animal shelters that were destroyed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Florida; $1.3 million in reimbursement grants to more than 75 local humane societies and animal care and control agencies from around the country that participated in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts; and multi-million dollar commitments to build short-term emergency overflow shelters, improve animal health with hands-on programs, and to spay and neuter dogs and cats to control animal overpopulation in the Gulf Coast region. The organization is reviewing a range of other projects and grants, and decisions will be announced on future expenditures when they are finalized.
The HSUS is committed to enhancing its disaster response and rescue program to help animals in future crises. The organization has earmarked $5 million for the expansion of its Disaster Services section, which will coordinate Katrina-related follow-up work and lead the organization's response to future domestic and international disasters.
"Our members have told me they want us to help with the short-term and long-term needs in the Gulf," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Those needs include enhancing our professional disaster team to manage the long-term rebuilding of the Gulf while responding swiftly and effectively to future disasters."
The newest members of the Disaster Services department all participated in The HSUS's response to Hurricane Katrina. Randy Covey, director of disaster services, previously worked with the Oregon Humane Society, where he managed the Law Enforcement/Animal Welfare Investigations Department for eight years. Covey has 19 years of experience in animal control and protection, field operations and sheltering, and extensive training in disaster response, investigations, technical rescue, and law enforcement issues. Cited repeatedly for his professionalism, excellent management and team-building skills, and dedication, Covey graduated first in his class at the Oregon Police Academy.
Debra Parsons-Drake, director of disaster sheltering, previously served as CEO and executive director of the Suncoast Humane Society in Englewood, Fla. Drake, an experienced disaster responder during her eight years at Suncoast, managed The HSUS's temporary animal sheltering facility at Hattiesburg, Miss., after Hurricane Katrina.
Allan Schwartz, disaster field responder, is a co-founder of Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Lisbon, Md. For 16 years, Schwartz oversaw the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and abandoned horses, helping the sanctuary to become one of the nation's leading equine rescue organizations. His experience includes cruelty investigation, rescue, critical care and rehabilitation of equine animals.
The HSUS will focus not just on hands-on work, but also on new public policies related to disasters. The HSUS is having ongoing conversations with federal and state agencies, and is also pushing to secure passage of House and Senate legislation to require that state and local authorities include pets and service animals in their disaster evacuation plans. In January, Pacelle wrote to members of the Congressional delegations from Louisiana and Mississippi asking them to seek federal funds to assist all of the animal care and control entities in the devastated Gulf region.
The Louisiana Attorney General's office has asked The HSUS for information on the organization's Katrina expenditures as part its efforts to ensure that funds donated by the public are being appropriately spent. The HSUS is providing the requested information. For information on The HSUS's disaster services program and an updated accounting of expenditures related to Katrina and other disasters, visit www.hsus.org/disaster.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
