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LETTERS FROM KATRINA RESCUERS

1) PETA: Louisiana Animal Rescue Update

2) 10/6/05: JANE GARRISON / PIA SALK RESCUE EFFORT

3) Forwarded from Nathan J. Winograd

4) Subject: My Experience at Gonzales...A Call for VOLUNTEERS

5) Subject: Words from a Volunteer

Louisiana Animal Rescue Update: Your Help Needed

Dear Reader,

PETA's second animal rescue and relief team continues its grueling work on the ground in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, more than a month after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to your support of PETA's Animal Emergency Fund, the team has been helping to feed and care for the countless animals who are still struggling to survive in this hard-hit area.

The stories from our team members have been both heartbreaking and uplifting. Team member Jason Huff reported that he rescued six dogs recently, including one who had "buried herself in a shed that had trees crashed in on it."

While PETA's team struggles with the tremendous amount of work still to be done for Katrina's animal survivors, our cruelty caseworkers are continuing to pressure local officials to punish those behind one of the most violent and disturbing incidents in the parish.

On September 29, the remains of at least 14 dogs (reports are now coming in alleging that there were many more), who had apparently been shot to death soon after Katrina hit, were discovered inside at least two St. Bernard Parish schools. PETA is urging the local district attorney to take over the investigation of this crime because it appears that the authorities reportedly responsible for shooting animals in St. Bernard Parish in separate incidents may also be involved with these and must not be the ones charged with investigating it.

You can help us to continue our work for Katrina's animal survivors and prevent future tragedies like the one in St. Bernard Parish by making a generous donation to PETA's Animal Emergency Fund today.

William Shatner's Plea for Animals in Louisiana

William Shatner has written to Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, urging her to help save the animals who are still struggling to survive in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

He writes, "Governor, you have the power to provide the Louisiana National Guard with food and water for these dying animals and to order that agency to notify animal rescuers when it finds animals. Won't you please take this lifesaving action today?"

If you haven't already, please join him in making a similar request of Gov. Blanco today!

Thank you,

Ingrid E. Newkirk
President

P.S. PETA's response to Katrina has lead to the rescue of hundreds of animals in New Orleans alone. You can help us continue this vital work and prevent needless suffering in the future by making a generous donation to PETA's Animal Emergency Fund.

P.P.S. Please send this e-mail to your friends, family, colleagues, and anyone else you can think of who might lend their voice and support to these vital efforts!

2) 10/6/05: JANE GARRISON / PIA SALK RESCUE EFFORT

DISCLAIMER: THIS RESCUE SITUATION IS VERY FLUID. AS CHANGES OCCUR, WE WILL UPDATE YOU ASAP.

IN THIS ALERT:
1.) Volunteers: Show Up at Lamar Dixon – Until Oct. 15
2.) Data Entry Volunteers: To Use As Needed
3.) Current Foster/Adopt Situation
4.) Donations

===============================================

1.) VOLUNTEERS: SHOW UP AT LAMAR DIXON – UNTIL OCT. 15
The HSUS lease with Lamar-Dixon Expo Center ends October 15. After that, this rescue effort may operate from another location. Will keep you posted.

WHAT TO DO:
1) Come to Lamar-Dixon (Gonzales, LA) until October 15.
2) Report to Pia Salk at the “Prowler” trailer between barn #1 and barn #2.

VOLUNTEER NEEDS/SITUATION:
Primary mission: Continuing work from a database of requests to save animals at known addresses. Also go to homes where food and water were left. If an animal’s caretakers have not returned, rescue the animal.
NEED:
-Open-minded people whose skills are utilized to enhance entire operation.
-Must be able to follow assigned duties.
-Search and rescue
-Temporary animal care and transport, retrieve supplies
-Database management
-Can stay at least 3 days, preferably 1 week

BRING:
-Self-contained sleeping arrangement (vehicle, tent, etc.)
-Large containers (lasagna pans, etc.) to leave water for animals in the city
-Thick "scratch/bite-proof" work gloves
-Sturdy, waterproof work boots/shoes
-Utility knife

ON-SITE CONTACTS:
You do not need to contact anyone prior to your arrival.
Pia Salk, David Meyer, Karla Osbeck: 310-800-7011
*Team rescue leaders may vary as effort continues.
*Only call for critical information or an emergency.
*A frightened feral cat bit Jane Garrison and she has temporarily left Lamar-Dixon to seek medical treatment.

LOCATION:
Lamar Dixon Expo Center 9039 St. Landry Ave.; Gonzales, LA 70737

DIRECTIONS TO LAMAR DIXON:
FROM THE WEST: Take I-10 East to Exit 177
At bottom of ramp take a right.

Go through traffic light and take second left into the Lamar Dixon Equestrian Center. Ask for the volunteer registration area.

FROM THE EAST: Take I-10 West to Exit 177
At bottom of ramp take a left
Go through traffic light and take second left into the Lamar Dixon Equestrian Center. Ask for the volunteer registration area.
===============================================

2.) DATA ENTRY VOLUNTEERS, TO USE AS NEEDED
*need fax machine

CONTACT:
info@...
Send name, phone number, email address

*Only send email if you can do data entry in evenings, approx. 7pm to 1am.
Sorry, I may not have time to respond. I am simply recording your availability to do data entry. List will go to David Meyer (david@...), who will contact you when needed.

*If you already sent information in response to the first Jane Garrison alert, you do not need to resend.

LOCATION:
Work from your home.

VOLUNTEER NEEDS/SITUATION:
Data entry volunteers are contacted on as-need basis. If you are available when called, great! Databases need to be updated (animal found, missing, deceased) so rescuers don’t waste time returning to same addresses. You will enter data at http://www.dogdetective.com. David will explain details about how to do this.
===============================================

3.) CURRENT FOSTER/ADOPT SITUATION
This effort currently brings rescued animals to the Best Friends site in Tylertown, MS. Holding facility may change. We will update you. For now, individuals or 501c3 foster/shelter groups must follow Best Friends’ policy to foster/adopt:

BEST FRIENDS
Organization to foster left-behind pet
http://www.bestfriends.org/HF/FO.cfm

Individual to foster left-behind pet
http://www.bestfriends.org/HF/FI.cfm

Adopt left-behind pet
http://www.bestfriends.org/HF/AD.cfm
===============================================

4.) DONATIONS
Monetary donations for www.1-800-Save-A-Pet.com
Online:
https://secure2.convio.net/sap/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAI\GN_ID=1482

Mail check to:
1-800-Save-A-Pet.com
P.O. Box 7
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

*********************************************************
GRASSROOTS EFFORT FOR ANIMALS OF THE STORM

KINSHIP CIRCLE
Brenda Shoss, Information & Volunteer Coordinator:
(desk) 314-863-9445; (cell) 314-795-2646
7380 Kingsbury Blvd.; Saint Louis, MO 63130
http://www.kinshipcircle.org

ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION (ARF)
Julia Fischer, Supply Storage & Distribution Director:
(cell) 251-455-9377; (home) 251-645-8605
shelter phone: 251-478-9743
771 Holcombe Ave.; Mobile, Alabama 36605
http://www.animalrescuemobile.org

*DISCLAIMER:
Information in all alerts is verified with original sources, to the best of our ability. We cannot assume responsibility for the consequences of its use. Call or email contacts at specific locations before going.
Grassroots Effort for Animals of the Storm Kinship Circle * Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)

Forwarded from Nathan J. Winograd

The loss of animal life as a result of Hurricane Katrina is incalculable. Many animals drowned. Others died of injury, illness or starvation. But many agencies are trying to improve the situation. Groups from California to New York, and all parts in between, above and below, poured into the Gulf, and reports from the field show a remarkable amount of compassion, dedication and skill.

The outpouring of support, the positive media view, and the large amount of money raised by donations from a caring public show how far we have come as a movement, and how the value and status of animals has increased in our culture. Unfortunately, the post-disaster response also demonstrates some startling contradictions. And underscores the imperative for a No Kill nation. Did Hurricane Katrina kill many animals beyond those in the areas impacted by the disaster? Unfortunately, the answer appears to be yes.

Rescued animals were—and continue to be—sent to shelters that kill homeless animals. In order to make room for the Katrina animals, reports have come in that some agencies killed animals that were already in their shelters. And the longer they hold them before they are ready for adoption, the more local animals that continue to die.

The practice is ethically indefensible. One shelter which took in Katrina animals kills over 20,000 dogs and cats a year and is currently in its “busy” season. They clearly can’t kill Katrina animals as that would be a public relations disaster. But don’t the animals already in their shelter matter? If there is a lesson to be learned, it is this: We must force animal control all over the country to adopt non-lethal methods so that shelters can lend support in times of crisis without resorting to killing other animals.

The response by the public to animal suffering—by people who opened their hearts or homes, or gave of their time or money to save lives—is perhaps unprecedented. People do care, and want to build a better world for animals. This is why it is time for change. And why the era of mass slaughter of sheltered animals can—and must—be brought to an end.

To help the animals impacted by Hurricane Katrina, donate to a No Kill shelter or rescue group working in the region. The lives you help save may include those in other parts of the country.

Thank you for all you do.

Nathan J. Winograd
No Kill Solutions
www.nokillsolutions.com

Subject: My Experience at Gonzales...A Call for VOLUNTEERS

Hi All,

I am about to go home so will not have email till tomorrow but wanted to get this out ASAP.

First I want to thank Adela for sponsoring me. Due to my financial situation I would not have been able to go down and help the animals. THANK YOU ADELA. I will carry this rewarding experience with me always. I will always see all those innocent eyes looking at me with love an gratitude as I walked them, feed them, washed them. They are so full of love

I also want to make this point before continuing, not to brag or pat myself on the back but to let people know that even though the work is hard, just about anyone can still make a contribution. I am not a well person, I have two herniated discs in my back, need knee replacements on both knees, have asthma, anemia, etc. I walked dogs for 4 hours straight, from 8-12 then I took a lunch break and went back to work cleaning cages for several hours, ate dinner and walked dogs till till 8 or 9PM. Yes I was exhausted but I was able to do it. Of course everyone is different but this is to say not every physical "handicap" should get in the way of people volunteering, also if you feel unfit but want to help, you can work with the cats or small animals or just feed and water....EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING. NOTHING IS TOO SMALL. Also, they DO ENCOURAGE people to take breaks as needed. I pushed myself ONLY because there were not enough people to the work....the more people there are, the less work an individual has to do. PLEASE, if you can help, HELP, don't make excuses.

WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THE ANIMALS

They DON'T NEED food donations. THEY NEED PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE. THEY NEED VETS and VET TECHS.

Astonishingly, the animals are still alive, they have suffered thru 3 weeks with no food or water in the most brutal heat. It is now the 11th hour though and NOW they WILL start to die. And the reason will be LACK OF VOLUNTEERS. The govt and society in general, has let the animals down. But if the rescue community does not come forward, they have let the animals down even more. I know not everybody will be able to go, but those that can, MUST. Those that can, STOP MAKING EXCUSES. There is no reason for excuses as you will see below.

If you plan to go out on rescue this is what is needed: Large air-conditioned vehicles in which animals can be transported as well as food and water, because when you go out in the AM you must take a supply of food and water for the animals as well as for yourself. If you don't have such a vehicle don't let it stop you, you can still team up with a group. But the more vehicles, the more groups can go out.

Some gear you will need:

-- thick "bite-proof" work gloves or at the very least heavy kitchen rubber gloves

-- sturdy, waterproof (rubber) work boots/shoes, at least ankle high

-- waders

-- long sleeve shirts - for rescuers

-- long pants- for rescuers

-- belt (to hang gear/supplies from)

-- mouth coverings (surgical masks, bandannas)

-- eye protection (sunglasses)

-- flashlights, crow bars/axes etc for breaking into houses

-- Possibly containers full of gasoline in case you run out of gas on a rescue, I don't think there are operational gas stations in N. O. (not sure)

-- maps of New Orleans

-- spray paint, for marking and dating houses with food and water drop dates (what you did at the house) You will be briefed each AM before going out and set up in teams of 3-4 people.

AT LAMAR

They need VETS, VET TECHS AND EVERY able bodied person they can get. Volunteers are desperately needed to clean shelter cages, walk dogs, feed and water all animals. They also need people who are experienced in handling "aggressives". I was not so if I saw a dog with no food or water in cage marked "aggressive" , I was not allowed to go in...I had to wait till an available person was able to take of the animal...it's too hot to make the animals wait for water or a walk, or whatever it is they might need. They have mostly dogs there, but a lot of cats, some exotic Birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, rabbits, horses, pot bellied pigs, chickens, etc. NOTE: Most of the dogs there are Pits and Rotties. MOST of them have not been fixed and the females seem to be used for breeding. I was told that dog fighting is a "cottage" industry in the 9th District of N.O. I was told that approx 70 pits have been stolen and while I was there, a Rottie was stolen. BE ON THE LOOK OUT. I NEVER LET A PERSON LOOKING FOR THEIR PET GO UNATTENDED. If you see something you think is suspicious, call one of the Barn Managers. BETTER TO ACT SAFELY ON BEHALF OF THE ANIMAL*.Any one stealing a dog is obviously not doing so to give the animal a loving home.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FOR YOUR SELF

I spent 4 days at Gonzales so I am not an expert on everything that is taking place. I can only give you my honest observations. IT IS SAFE. We drove from NYC thru Kentucky to Mississippi to Louisiana and had absolutely no trouble at all. Upon Arriving in Gonzales, at the Lamar Dixon Equestrian Center, we had no trouble getting in, we just said we were invited by the LA SPCA and they let us in no questions asked. YOU WILL NOT BE TURNED AWAY There are police, army personnel, etc. for your security. I never felt unsafe.

You do not have to be self sufficient, as we were led to believe. We spent a lot of $$ on food, water, supplies, etc, only to find everything was provided there. They have a huge, air conditioned "tent" with army cots, but you can come in an RV or bring your own tent and camp on the grounds. They provide bottled water, Gatorade, soda, juice, 2 hot meals a day, both veg and non veg, plus snacks, granola bars, cereal, various canned foods, PB&J etc. They have a medical tent on site. They have sun-block, hand sanitizers, latex gloves etc. If you want to bring stuff any way, no problem. There are showers, toilets, laundry facilities etc. They really treat the volunteers well and with respect. They really do value our contribution.

It would be wise to get current Hepatitis vaccinations & current Tetanus shot.

Subject: Words from a Volunteer

Dear Friends:

I have been at the hurricane in New Orleans for over two weeks. In this time I have organized search and rescue teams and food and water teams (for the animals on the streets). I have personally pulled hundreds of animals from roof tops, attics and houses. It has been amazing to me that these animals are still alive. I got a dog off a roof a few days ago who should have weighed 90 pounds but was down to 40 pounds from being stuck on that roof with no food and water. These animals want to live and are showing us this everyday. Here is the problem.

We still have 3,000 addresses of homes where animals are trapped. These are addresses where people have called either HSUS or LASPCA and asked for us to rescue their animals. I know that there are thousands of other homes where animals are trapped that no one called about. I know this b/c I have rescued hundreds of animals from homes after hearing barking that were not on our lists.

CONSIDER THIS: Amazingly we are finding that half of the homes we get into have animals still alive. With a MINIMUM of 3,000 addresses that is at least 1500 animals who are waiting behind closed doors for a loving hand to rescue them. With the current teams we have now we can only get into approximately 300 homes each day. The animals will NEVER be alive if we continue at this rate. I am begging each and everyone of you to get to New Orleans to help. It does not take a "certified disaster rescuer" to break into a house and at last provide fresh food and water (to sustain that animal until someone qualified can get them out). We only have a week at most to save some of these desperate animals. Please do your part...we are all the animals have.
Jane Garrison

More - Katrina Animal News

HELP THE ANIMAL VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA:

AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund

ASPCA Disaster Relief Fund

Best Friends Hurricane Relief
International Fund for Animal Welfare

NSALA Hurricane Rescue
Pet Finder Updates and Links
The Humane Society of the United States