Animal Rescue Alerts 10-20-2005

From Katrina Help Info

Animal Rescue Resources > Alerts > 10-20-2005

Table of contents
1 Thursday October 20, 2005

1.1 ANIMAL RESCUE NEW ORLEANS (http://www.animalrescueneworleans.com/)
1.2 Volunteer account 10/20 Tylertown, MS
1.3 New Orleans final desperate plea...MUST READ
1.4 WARNING TO RESCUERS in St Bernard Parish
1.5 DATA SEARCH ENGINE UP
1.6 Mobile SPCA distributing food for rescues and shelters
1.7 VMAT Official responds to FEMA critics

2 Other Animal Rescue Pages


Thursday October 20, 2005

ANIMAL RESCUE NEW ORLEANS (http://www.animalrescueneworleans.com/) 

ANIMAL RESCUE NEW ORLEANS
Jane Garrison & David Meyer

I am Brenda Shoss, of Kinship Circle. Together with Animal Rescue Foundation we have been sending volunteers and supplies to animal rescue units across the storm states since Katrina struck. I am helping coordinate Animal Rescue New Orleans with Jane Garrison and David Meyer.

FINAL DAYS FOR N.O. ANIMALS: YOU CAN HELP THEM!

  • Recently, a dog was found confined in a laundry room. He was emaciated, but able to recover. The other day, volunteers saved two cats from a house and another hiding in an attic. They were dazed and dehydrated, but alive. On 10/19, rescuers discovered Bingo, a dog so desperate for water he'd crawled into a bathtub. Too weak to haul his little body out, the tub almost became Bingo's coffin. He could not lift his head or stand. But he is alive and now under veterinary care. Bingo and others like him want to live. Please let their tremendous wills inspire you to travel to New Orleans as soon as you can.
  • Animal Rescue New Orleans plans to stay active through end of November.

PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING TO mailto:info@kinshipcircle-dot-org:

  • (If you have already sent this, DO NOT SEND AGAIN)
  • Your full name / Name of organization (if applicable)
  • Full street address, including city and state
  • Cell phone, land phone, email
  • Brief description of experience with animals, including professional, rescue, shelter, etc.
  • Dates you can be in New Orleans for animal rescue
  • Type "HURRICANE VOLUNTEER" in the subject line of email.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE HURRICANE ALERTS:

FOR DETAILS NOT ADDRESSED IN THIS ALERT, GO TO:

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

RESCUE CONTACTS: 

Jane Garrison: 843-343-8887, mailto:JaneGarrison@comcast-dot-net
David Meyer: 310-897-6546
Holly: 757-641-4527
Rob Stone: 253-307-0969
Pia Salk: 323-899-4160

SUPPLY NEEDS: Dog/Cat Food; ANC (pop-top) Canned Cat Food; Disposable Lasagna Trays for Water; Fresh Water (gallon containers); Cases of Pedialyte; Large Humane Dog Traps & Humane Cat Traps; Money for Supplies, Spay/Neuter; Large Plastic (airline-style) Carriers; Cases of Bottled Water, Gatorade, Energy Bars 

Send to - ATN: Rescue Groups
Southern Animal Foundation
1823 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130


TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS:

  • Fly into New Orleans or Baton Rouge.
  • Rent a van, if possible, with room for supplies.
  • Attend 7:30 am daily meeting (location listed below)

LODGING/SHOWERS/BATH/FOOD:

  • Some volunteers are staying in a few local homes or sleeping in their vehicles.
  • Bring your own tent to camp on parking lot/small fenced yard we have secured. Camping area is alongside property at 1585 Magazine Street. You'll see an empty building that says Star Nails and Hair.
  • Showers and food (to purchase) are available just outside New Orleans. Jane is trying to get porta-potties on site. Bring plenty of bottled water for drinking and "sponge baths."

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • (SEE DETAILED LIST OF PERSONAL SUPPLIES AT END OF THIS EMAIL)

VOLUNTEER NEEDS/SITUATION:

  • Ideal people are willing to stay at least a week and be self sufficient.

1.) MORNING MEETINGS - 7:30 am

  • Southern Animal Foundation - 1823 Magazine Street; New Orleans, LA 70130 Each morning, sign up with your contact phone number to be reached throughout day as needed. Morning meetings led by Rob Stone or Matt. Will assign lists for rescues each morning consisting of map with specific locations or a section of city to feed and patrol.

2.) MAPS, ASSIGNMENTS, BRIEFING

  • Maps and assignments emailed to Rob each evening to print/distribute at morning meeting. Rob or Matt will read a briefing from team each day, to keep volunteers abreast of information pertinent to rescue efforts.

3.) DISPATCH

  • Jane and David to conduct dispatch directly. Volunteers will be called with specific rescues throughout day and asked to contact Jane or David directly with questions or concerns.

4.) CARE FOR CRITICAL ANIMALS 

Animals unable to survive transport brought to:
SE Veterinary Specialists, 504-219-0444
400 N. Causeway; Metarie, Louisiana

5.) PROCEDURE FOR OTHER RESCUED ANIMALS

  • Other animals dropped off at Southern Animal Foundation no later than 4:30 pm. Then transported to Best Friends in Tylertown, MS. Volunteers needed for daily transports.

6.) FEEDING STATIONS

  • Volunteers also go around the city to set up feeding stations. Most animals come out after the sun goes down.

7.) MAPS, LOGS & DATABASE ENTRIES

  • To end problem of going to repeat addresses, all completed maps and logs turned into Rob each night by 6:00 pm at the Southern Animal Foundation or at his home, so he can fax maps to data entry people to update database!

MONETARY DONATIONS:

ATN: Rescue Groups 

Southern Animal Foundation
1823 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

GIFT CARDS: 

SUGGESTED PERSONAL SUPPLIES LIST
current Hepatitis vaccinations
(Hepatitis A most important)
current Tetanus shot
pepper spray
hand sanitizer; alcohol and hydrogen peroxide
insect repellent, sunscreen
first aid kits
thick "bite-proof" work gloves
sturdy, waterproof (rubber) work boots/shoes
change of shoes, extra socks, hat
long sleeve shirts, long pants (for coverage, but lightweight) 
eye protection (sunglasses)
cases of dust/surgical masks
utility knife, crowbar
belt (to hang gears/supplies from)
flashlights, D batteries
cell phone & car charger
phone cards (in case cell phones don't work)
waterproof walkie talkies helpful
toilet paper
pillows, blankets, sheets, towels
water, Gatorade, snacks 
other personal-care items
cash
Come prepared to camp: tent, sleeping bag, air mattress or cot

Volunteer account 10/20 Tylertown, MS 

From: mailto:monkee51@aol-dot-com
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 14:35:46 EDT
Security situation (dogs stolen/dog fighting) in Tylertown, MS

Hello All :

I'm really glad to see this post from Jeff in Tylertown. Myself and another gal with the NVA SPCA just got home on Monday from spending a few days volunteering at this REMARKABLE facility. It was an experience of a life time.

The operation there is an ongoing affair. They are in constant need of volunteers. When we were there there were approx. 80 dogs and as many cats that need to be cared for. All of the dogs, after being vetted and health checked, are kept in their own 10 x 10 pen. They are walked two times a day - There is very little fence fighting even though the majority of the dogs are pit bulls - it is incredible!

There is an area for folks to pitch tents - although there are some there that are empty and available. If you really want to be "stylin", bring a small camper. There are showers there and by now the hot water heater should be hooked up and ready to go! Although hot water in the showers was not a luxury we had while there NO ONE complained.

If you want to go somewhere where you will not be lost in the shuffle - where your help is very obviously appreciated - Go volunteer with these folks - LA Humane Society in Tylertown, MS. If you can't volunteer - the need for money is ongoing to continue their lifesaving work. 

Lisa Reid
Ragged Mt. Dogs

New Orleans final desperate plea...MUST READ 

From: Jane Garrison 
To: mailto:JaneGarrison@comcast-dot-net 
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 7:29 AM
New Orleans final desperate plea...MUST READ

10/19/2005 A FINAL DESPERATE PLEA...

We know it is hard to imagine that more than 7 weeks after Hurricane Katrina hit that animals trapped inside could still be alive--- but it is true.

We rescued Bingo tonight, a dog trapped in a bathroom of a house. In a desperate attempt to get a drink of water, Bingo crawled into a bathtub but then was too weak to get himself out. Bingo could not even lift his head or stand.. but he is alive. Sadly, there are others like Bingo waiting for their turn to be rescued...

Meet some of the pets in New Orleans who need your help:

  • Hi my name is Rambo, I was left at 7370 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans. My guardian called to have me rescued on Sept 16th but I am still waiting and I am very scared.
  • Hi I am Indiana I was left at Belair subdivision off Airport Rd. I had a PetSmart bandana on but I think I lost it. Please come get me, I am very hungry.
  • Hi my name is Princess. I was left at a two story apartment building with Annie and Foxie. There is a balcony with stairs. The apartment is at the intersection of Mumphrey Road and East Judge Perez in Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish. Three of us are waiting to be rescued. We are too little to do much on our own.

Note: Photos were taken when the dogs were healthy, extreme weight loss may make it difficult to identify them by photo now.

We still have a list of 1267 homes in downtown New Orleans where animals have been reported by their guardians to be trapped. We still have this many because we do not have enough volunteers to open the doors and rescue the pets that are slowly starving to death. THIS IS WHY WE NEED YOU! Please get in your car or get on a plane and come help us get through the rest of these houses.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! We are certain (based on the pets we see everyday) that there are animals still alive in these homes.

Things you should know before you come:

  • a.. This will be the most rewarding life changing experience you have ever had. To save an animal from starving to death is a very rewarding experience...one you will never forget.
  • b.. The city is safe...we have been rescuing since the hurricane and have not had any problems with any of our rescuers' safety.
  • c.. People have requested that someone breaks in and rescues their desperate animal.
  • d.. You will need to bring a small tent or stay in your car. That is a small sacrifice to make for these animals who are desperately waiting for your help.
  • e.. Hurricane Wilma is not heading anywhere near New Orleans so please do not wait until after it passes...it may be too late.
  • f.. You do not need any special passes to get into the city.
  • g.. Although the city is open to residents, most have not returned or even plan on returning.
  • h.. You can get updates and information on rescue efforts here: animalrescueneworleans.com

"I have spent 6 weeks rescuing animals in New Orleans. I have climbed through windows, on roofs, and under houses to get to these animals who are trapped. This has been the most rewarding and heartbreaking experience of my life. With every animal I rescue I think about the dozens of others who lay trapped behind closed doors dying a slow, lonely death from starvation and dehydration. I am begging every compassionate person to come to New Orleans and help us get through the rest of these homes and get these forgotten victims to safety." 

Jane Garrison
Animal Advocate, Organizer of Search and Rescue Teams
843-343-8887
mailto:JaneGarrison@comcast-dot-net

"This is the single worst tragedy for companion animals in the history of the United States. Despite all you have seen on TV and the various organizations that have pitched in, it has been volunteers like you and me who have come forth, made the trip to New Orleans and saved thousands of pets, one by one. Now the last ones need our help and there is no one left to save them but us. If you stay home, in a month you won't remember what you did in the next few days. If you come and save one of these dogs and cats, you will remember it for your lifetime. I know, I have been here for a month and held them in my arms. 

David Meyer
Executive Director http://www.1-800-Save-A-Pet.com/
310-897-6546
mailto:david@grappling-dot-us

WARNING TO RESCUERS in St Bernard Parish 

24582 (http://www.nola.com/forums/animals/index.ssf?artid=92061) 
WARNING TO RESCUERS
by ParishElder, 10/20/05 11:30 ET

Many parts of St Bernard are now considered a toxic waste dump. Cancer is a great concern. We had an oil spill near the size of the Exxon Valdeze. In case maybe you forgot about that too. People who are entering are getting violently ill after leaving.

DATA SEARCH ENGINE UP 

24598 (http://www.nola.com/forums/animals/index.ssf?artid=92137)
DATA SEARCH ENGINE UP
by saffron1224, 10/20/05 13:03 ET

http://www.lostandfoundpetsearch.com/

or

http://www.lostandfoundpetsearch.org/

PASS ALL OVER NET

Thousands of thanks to Ellen, Chiquitita, and I'm thrilled. It has bumps and lumps, it's less than perfect BUT IT WORKS! 

mailto:saffron3@earthlink-dot-net for questions.

Mobile SPCA distributing food for rescues and shelters 

24609 (http://www.nola.com/forums/animals/index.ssf?artid=92177) 
FOOD for rescues and shelters
by shireen, 10/20/05 13:47 ET

The Mobile SPCA is a distribution point for any shelter/rescue group that needs dog and cat food. But you have to go get the food from them -- they do not have the resources to deliver it. Please call them first to arrange those logistics and to verify that they have enough supplies to give you. This is their contact information:

Mobile SPCA 251-633-3531

Mobile SPCA Office,620 Zeigler Circle West,Mobile, Alabama 36608.just west of the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am until 3:00 pm

Please be aware of this information, and spread it to other rescue groups/shelters that need help with food supplies. If you have any questions, please don't post a follow-up since I cannot read this group anymore. Send me an email at whimbrel at comcast dot net. (Do not use this email to flame me about my other posts you object to. If you do, I will report you to your internet service provider for harassment.)

VMAT Official responds to FEMA critics 


Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 19:59:43 -0400
From: "Jodi Witte" mailto:jwitte@animalhelp-dot-com
RE: BUREAUCRATIC CHANGES MAY PROTECT ANIMAL VICTIMS OF FUTURE DISASTERS

I would like to know where this article came from so I can forward this email I am writing to the author of this article also. Can the person who posted it, please let me know?

I need to make one very important point, that no one really seems to understand. I have heard all the blame on this list, and other lists too, how FEMA has a "no pet" policy. Let me tell you about FEMA and this so called "NO PET" policy.

First of all, FEMA teams are NOT first responders. It is NOT FEMA's job to go in and evacuate people before - or after - a disaster unless asked by the state. It is not FEMA's job to force people to have a pet evacuation plan. It is NOT FEMA's job to take control of a disaster situation unless asked by the state. FEMA can only come in at the request of the state or local government. Once FEMA is in, FEMA can ONLY do the tasks requested by the state or local government. As one person mentioned here, FEMA offered security for one of the animal shelters, but local officials refused it. FEMA cannot do anything unless they are asked. Why? Well, because that is how our government is set up. The federal government cannot come and take over control from a state. The responsibility of the evacuation and first response after the disaster lies with the state, and the state alone. The decisions on which federal assets are to be used, and where they will be used, lie with the state and local government.

FEMA has response teams called VMAT. Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams. When FEMA and other federal entities finally were able to begin working on the evacuation after the disaster, FEMA IMMEDIATELY dispatched VMAT teams to numerous locations in Louisiana and Mississippi. My team was immediately positioned at the New Orleans airport. Now, why would anyone put a veterinary disaster response team at the airport if you have a "no pet" policy and will not let people bring their pets with them? You wouldn't. Hundreds and hundreds of pets arrived WITH their owners on buses and helicopters at the airport. We worked 24 hours a day providing round the clock care to each and every animal that passed through the airport. These animals were allowed in cabin on the FEMA commandeered commercial airplanes and the military cargo planes that were moving families to shelters in Houston and San Antonio.

Now, were there local rescuers, boat drivers, bus drivers, etc. that were not allowing people to bring their pets? Yes, I know of several. But FEMA was NOT following a "no pet" policy during Hurricane Katrina. FEMA brought in veterinary teams highly trained to care for animals in disasters, teams they provide training for and fund, teams that were paid to work round the clock. These teams are sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and also funded by grants through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

There were many things that went wrong with this disaster on all levels. Of that I am not denying. How many of us saw the disorganization just in the animal response? It was a mess!!!!! Think about this disaster as a whole, and see that every organization and government entity involved was overwhelmed by the shear enormity of it all. So many people - so many animals. And yes, FEMA was overwhelmed too. Things could have been done a hell of a lot better. There is much to be learned from this disaster by all of us, including us in FEMA.

FEMA will always regard people first and pets and other animals will come second. This will never change. But FEMA is pet friendly and does understand how important pets are in people's lives. I guess the reason no one knows this is because we spend our time working and not in front of news cameras or other ways to seek publicity. We go in and do a job. Publicity is no where in our deployment mission. Therefore, we usually do our job quietly and without acknowledgement from the public. I like it that way normally. Except when people all over start untrue rumors that FEMA is not pet friendly.

I mean, how many of you even knew VMAT existed? How many of you that did know, found out about VMAT during this disaster response? Did you know VMAT teams have been responding to disasters since Hurricane Marilyn in 1995 when my team went to the US Virgin Islands to provide veterinary care to the animals? Or that VMAT teams have responded to almost all major disasters including wildfires, hurricanes, and floods? VMAT teams have cared for pets and livestock after Hurricane Floyd in 1999 in North Carolina, and last year's outbreak of hurricanes in Florida. We have responded to the World Trade Center where I was with my VMAT team providing care to search and rescue canines and police dogs in 2001 where coincidentally we also provided emergency treatment to pets left behind in nearby buildings after the towers came down. We support the Secret Service canines and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) explosive detection canines during major events such as UN meetings and G8 Summits. My team supported the canines during the last Republican National Convention in NYC. We responded to an outbreak of Avian Influenza (the bird flu) in Virginia in 2002 and had to depopulate over 4.7 million chickens and turkeys while in full biohazard gear - not a fun deployment if I may say so. VMAT teams have even assisted during plane crashes. We are highly trained, not just in veterinary medicine, because it takes more then that to be a disaster responder. We train in Incident Command System, Hazardous Material, Bioterrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, field medicine and triage, and so much more.

FEMA's veterinary teams are always there, somewhere, to help the animals. You may not see us on TV or giving interviews but we are there. But where you may see us when we are not deployed is giving lectures and doing training on how to prepare for disasters when you own pets or writing disaster preparedness articles. You will not find a better advocate for preparation and planning for your animals then the members of FEMA's VMAT teams. We are also working with the AVMA and helping states set up disaster plans that include animals. North Carolina is by and far the most advanced state when it comes to plans in place for animals in a disaster. Why? Well because it was headed up by the command of VMAT-3. We WANT people to be prepared. We can't do it for them.

The only way to make sure that another situation like Katrina does not happen is to educate the pet owner. You can all help! A great resource is the AVMA's disaster brochures such as "Saving the Whole Family" which are available online at http://www.avma.org/disaster as a PDF file for download. When I talk to kids at schools and scout troops, I always have plenty to pass around. FEMA also has some great independent study courses available online on animals in disasters. Talk to people. Make sure they understand how important it is. THEY are ultimately responsible for their animals.

In the end, many people did take their animals with them both before and after Hurricane Katrina. Too many didn't though and it is easy to lay blame on the federal government. But truly, the state should have had plans in place, AND each individual should have had a plan in place for their family and their pets. There is no other excuse. You cannot sit back and say it always happens to someone else, it won't happen to me. How many of YOU out there reading this have your pets microchipped and tags on their collars? How many of you have clean crates standing ready for each pet in your home? Do you know where you are going to go if you have to be evacuated? What if you didn't have 1 or 2 days to prepare for the evacuation? What if a tractor trailer, right now, this very minute, were to crash on the road near your home and this truck was carrying a tanker of hazardous material that was now in the air and presented a very serious and even deadly health risk to anyone breathing it? Can you pack up your pets in 5 or 10 minutes flat and get out? I can. I have all my crates for my dogs, cats, and birds sitting there ready. All the paperwork I need is in one location. I know exactly where and how I will go. What if you weren't home when the truck crashed?

In closing of this very long email (sorry it got so long) I challenged each and every one of you right now -today- to do your part. Start with your neighborhood. Talk to the pet owners and educate them. Develop a support system so that if someone is not home, or cannot get back to get their pets, someone else can. Have them designate a spot where all their "go" supplies will be for their pets, where their support person will know where to find everything. Once your neighborhood is ready, expand your efforts to include your whole town. Train your friends to train their friends. Keep it going and pass it forward. Education and preparation are key. Do not sit back and expect the federal or state governments - or anyone else for that matter - to come in and rescue your pets if you can't put forth an effort to make arrangements for them before the disaster.

Ok, there, I have said my peace. 

Jodi Witte
Veterinary Technician/Logistics Officer/WMD Specialist
VMAT-1, Veterinary Medical Assistance Team    
FEMA Response Branch  
US Department of Homeland Security
AnimalHelp.Com
http://www.animalhelp.com/
mailto:jwitte@animalhelp-dot-com

Other Animal Rescue Pages

Animal Rescue Resources > Alerts > 10-20-2005

Retrieved from "http://www.katrinahelp.info/wiki/index.php/Animal_Rescue_Alerts_10-20-2005"
Help us stay online!