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Gulf Coast Rescue Needs & News
http://www.KinshipCircle.org

IN THIS ALERT:
  1. News Bits
  2. LA Pet Evacuation Bill Passes Out Of Senate Finance
  3. National Pet Evacuation Bill Passes In House
  4. Missing: Lilo Walker, Tuxedo Cat
  5. Terrebonne Parish “Gas Chamber” Shelter
  6. Feline Frenzy In Action – Alley Cat Allies
  7. The 'Big Fix' Is In: Cats Get Spayed
  8. More News Bits
  9. Alley Cat Allies' Feline Forum 2006: Bright Future For Feral Cats in LA, MS
  10. Volunteers Sought For NOLA Pet Evacuation Plan
  11. From Katrina’s Ruins: Veterinary Relief Fund
  12. No-Kill Vision For NOLA Area




1. NEWS BITS
Katrina dogs who previously tested Heartworm negative must be
retested now.
There is an incubation period of between 6-9 months during
which a dog that is infected with deadly heartworm disease will test
negative. This means that dogs that became infected last summer  would
have tested negative at the time they were transported out of the gulf
region, and even at the time of placement, but may, in fact be
harboring heartworms.
 
Contact your vet. Because this disease is fatal and potentially contagious:  
*any dog who previously tested heartworm negative must be retested now.
*any dog who previously tested heartworm positive should have started treatment by now.
*any dog who has completed treatment for heartworm disease needs to be
retested 4-6 months after completion. 
SOURCE: Paula Kislak, DVM.
David Meyer,
DavidM@1-800-Save-A-Pet.com
———————————————————————————————-

CNN poll on animals and disasters:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/22/pet.evacuations.ap/index.html  
Please share—we need votes at this online poll.
SOURCE: Jennifer Brown, JBrown@hsus.org

Associated Press poll on pet evacuations:
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20060522220309990002
Please answer this poll too...
SOURCE: Holly Quaglia, hollyq24@yahoo.com
———————————————————————————————-

SMALL BITES or CAT FOOD feed all.
A reminder, when donating food for Katrina effected animals: Send SMALL
BITES or simply CAT FOOD since all size animals can handle little cat food
bites, but the little ones have trouble with the big bites. Also, I noticed
that in ALDI, a discount grocery store in the Midwest [and around NOLA, I
think] that you can get 20-30lbs for about $6 or $8 which would be cheaper
than Wal-Mart even. Thanks for putting the word out, Laura.
SOURCE: Laura Dedelow, dedelow@cox.net
———————————————————————————————-

Animal Disaster Plans of U.S. States

UAN/EARs http://tinyurl.com/mtq9x
Do you know what your state disaster plan is and how it relates to animals?
The Friends of Animals website has a map of the US that is color-coded to
show states with:
        * No animal disaster plan
        * Commmited to writing a plan
        * Currently writing a plan
        * Revising animal disaster plan
        * Has animal disaster plan
You can also click on the outline of your state to be taken to more
info, usually a PDF of the plan or the state's emergency website.
SOURCE: http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/animal-disaster-plans/
Marnie Reeder,
starbright60@webtv.net





2. LA Pet Evacuation Bill Passes Out Of Senate Finance
SOURCE: Shannon Moore, shann_moore@yahoo.com
(SOS) Supporters of Save Our Pets  
petevacuation@yahoo.com
Metairie, Louisiana


May 22: The Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill, SB607, passed out of Senate
Finance today and will be heard on final passage in the Senate. Should be
heard on Senate Floor this week. Exact date etc. not determined yet.

Thank you for all of your support, emails, calls etc. The Bill still has to
be heard by the full Senate and then the House Committee and then the full
House...and then to the Governor.
———————————————————————————————-

http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=393476
  
Amendment to LA Pet Evacuation Bill, SB607 (see writing in bold).
SCASB607 NUGENTL 3072  
Page 1 of 1
This set of amendment(s) was prepared by Linda Nugent.
SENATE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS
Amendments proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to Engrossed Senate Bill
No. 607 by Senator Fontenot
  
1 AMENDMENT NO. 1
2 On page 8, between lines 22 and 23, insert the following:
3 "Section 2. The provisions of this Act shall become effective if and only if funds for
4 the purposes provided for in this Act are appropriated from the State Emergency
5 Response Fund."
6 AMENDMENT NO. 2
7 On page 8, line 23, change "Section 2." to "Section 3."





3. National Pet Evacuation Bill Passes In House
SOURCE: http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/22/pet.evacuations.ap/index.html

Congress considers pets' place in disaster plans
House approves legislation; similar measure in Senate
Monday, May 22, 2006: WASHINGTON (AP) — A television shot of a little boy
losing his dog during Katrina rescue operations was the catalyst for the
House to pass legislation Monday that would require pets to be considered in
emergency-preparedness plans.

"The dog was taken away from this little boy, and to watch his face was a
singularly revealing and tragic experience," said Rep. Tom Lantos, a
California Democrat and sponsor of the Pet Evacuation and Transportation
Standards Act. "This legislation was born at that moment."

The bill, which passed 349-24, would require state and local preparedness
offices to take into account pet owners, household pets and service animals
when drawing up evacuation plans. Offices that fail to do so would not
qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Republican Rep. Christopher Shays of Connecticut, with Lantos a co-chairman
of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, said estimates are that some
600,000 animals died or were left without shelter as a result of Hurricane
Katrina. He added that the lack of pet rescue plans also put many pet owners
in danger. "When asked to choose between abandoning their pets or their
personal safety, many pet owners chose to risk their lives," he said.

The Humane Society of the United States cited a recent Zogby International
poll that found that 49 percent of adults say they would refuse to evacuate
if they couldn't take their pets with them. Passage of the bill, said Humane
Society president Wayne Pacelle, would ensure "that Americans will never
again be forced to leave their best friends behind to face imminent danger."

In the Senate, Sens. Ted Stevens, an Alaska Republican, and Frank
Lautenberg, a New Jersey Democrat, have introduced similar legislation that
also would give the FEMA director authority to grant funds to state and
local agencies for animal-preparedness projects, including the building of
emergency shelters.

Louisiana's Legislature is considering a separate measure requiring that the
state come up with plans to transport and house pets in an evacuation. The
sponsor, Sen. Heulette "Clo" Fontenot, said the bill was written on the
assumption the state would need 10,000 cages for the animals.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.





4. Missing: Lilo Walker, Tuxedo Cat
IF YOU HAVE LILO WALKER, OR TIPS TO LEAD TO HIS RETURN,
CONTACT:
lillynfield@yahoo.com

LAST SEEN:
Lilo Walker escaped through a broken window before animal rescue could get
him in early September. He lived at 216 N. Alexander, 70019. [Mid-city]   

DESCRIPTION:
Owner, Linda Walker was evacuated to Austin and has been searching
desperately for him. No photos of Lilo survived the flooding.
LILO WALKERTUXEDO CAT: “LILO”
—Large neutered male, 12-15 lbs before Katrina.
—White chest. Paws primarily white. Black body.
—Very symmetrical markings. Face has white strip in middle that peaks on
his forehead, with a black “cap,” ears black. No smudges of coloring.
— Back and body are primarily black but he has white markings on his legs
and feet...just about identical on both legs.
—No asymmetrical markings, very uniform, "balanced" look.
—Pink nose. Eyes may appear yellowish or greenish at different times.
—Lilo has a VERY LOUD, wonderful purr when he is happy.
—and when he is very happy, he grabs his owner and suckles like a kitten

He has a sweet face and one unique characteristic is when he is comfortable
with a person he starts purring VERY loudly and then he grabs the persons
clothes or even skin and starts "nursing" like a little kitten would.

IF YOU HAVE LILO WALKER, OR TIPS TO LEAD TO HIS RETURN,
CONTACT: lillynfield@yahoo.com

SOURCE:lsgraf@netzero.net, susankiwikiwi@hotmail.com
lillynfield@yahoo.com





5. Terrebonne Parish “Gas Chamber” Shelter
SOURCE: Deanna Theis, itsgwiff@yahoo.com
Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter:
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/LA109.html

Deanna Theis, itsgwiff@yahoo.com writes: I'd like to bring attention to
another gas-chamber kill shelter an hour outside of New Orleans. Terrebonne
Parish has no TNR feral cat programs, thus any feral trapped in a trap is an
automatic death sentence. Some days, it's not unusual to gas 20-30 cats all
in one day. They euthanize on Wednesdays and Fridays. With puppy and kitten
season, this shelter has limited space. I’ve been there. It's horrible, but
the staff tries to do the best with what they have...

CONTACT & LOCATION
Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter
131 Plant Road; P. O. Box 2768
Houma, LA 70363
ph: 985-873-6709; email:vrobinson@tpcg.org

To see animals, call or come to the Animal Shelter at 131 Plant Rd. in
Houma, Louisiana (behind Eckerds off of Grand Caillou Rd). The Animal
Shelter is open Monday-Friday from 8-4pm. The phone number is 985-873-6709.

VIEW ANIMALS / PETFINDER LIST:
http://tinyurl.com/pzy6s
[COPY & PASTE LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER WINDOW]

Strays picked up by animal control have SEVEN days in shelter. Owner
surrenders are kept according to how much space the shelter has at that
point in time.

ADOPTION APPLICATION:
http://www.tpcg.org/view.php?page=adoption_app&type=Dog&adopt

DETAILS ABOUT ADOPTIONS:
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/LA109.html

MORE INFO ABOUT ADOPTIONS:
http://www.tpcg.org/animal_shelter/animal_adopt.asp





6. Feline Frenzy In Action – Alley Cat Allies
SOURCE: Bonney Brown, BBrown@alleycat.org
ph: 435-644-8583
http://www.alleycat.org


Bonney Brown, BBrown@alleycat.org writes: This Feline Frenzy event is taking
place over 3 weeks in 6 clinics across the city (Ark Animal Hospital,
LA-SPCA Mobile Clinic, Southern Animal Foundation, St. Tammany Humane
Society, West Metairie Plaza Veterinary Clinic, and the Animal Health
Center). And we're using SAF's Snip Van this week in communities just north
of Lake Ponchartrain (Bogalusa and vicinity).  All outdoor cats are being
fixed free of charge by ACA.

Now in our third and last week of clinics, we have exceeded the 700 cat mark
and are on track to hit the 1,000 cat goal. (We're not counting cats ACA
neutered before the launch of this event on May 8). Thanks so much to
everyone of you who has helped to make this event such a success! It would
not be possible without you!  

  

Picking up neutered cats from out in front of the Southern Animal Foundation
Clinic on Magazine Street You can make out little glowing eyes peeking out
from beneath one of the towels covering a trap in the van... In addition to
being spayed or neutered and vaccinated each kitty gets flea treatment.


 
Dr. Celeste Gilbert prepares to tranquilize a kitty in a trap.
  


Louisiana SPCA mobile van, one of the Frenzy event days... Inside the LA SPCA's mobile clinic.

 

Kathy Krisitch bottle feeding two kittens.  





7. The 'Big Fix' Is In: Cats Get Spayed
SOURCE: Traveling clinic treats 165 pets at weeklong stopover in Hernando
By Wayne Risher, http://contacts.commercialappeal.com/reporters/emailreporter.cfm  


May 22, 2006 - The way DeSoto County Animal Shelter officials figure it, the
Big Fix Rig's weeklong stop in Hernando was a huge success. The traveling
spay and neuter clinic fixed 165 cats and distributed vouchers for low-cost
spaying and neutering to another 200 pet owners last week.  

Experts vary on how many kittens a cat will produce over a lifetime, but
humane groups say a single, unfixed female can be responsible for thousands
of kittens. Spaying and neutering break the reproductive cycle and keep
unwanted kittens from being born. That's important to the shelter these
days, considering the facility is at full capacity for cats and kittens.  

Assistant director Monica Mock said the shelter stopped accepting cats when
the population hit 110, including about 80 kittens. The Big Fix Rig made
its second Mississippi stop in Hernando as part of a tour that will end in
July in Picayune, on the Louisiana border. It will then move into
hurricane-damaged parishes of Louisiana for a couple months.


The Humane Alliance, an Asheville, N.C.-based advocate of pet population
control, built the 53-foot-long trailer with corporate help. Humane
organizations, including Mississippi Spay and Neuter, joined forces to bring
it to Mississippi.  

Save One Pet, a pet rescue group, contacted county shelter officials about
hosting the Big Fix Rig, which is capable of doing 120 cat sterilizations a
day and holding up to 160 cats. The rig, which neutered cats for $5 and
spayed for $10, was booked solid by Tuesday.  

Callers had to settle for vouchers to get cats or dogs fixed by local
veterinarians at a discount. Mock said many people who got vouchers had
multiple pets, so 200 vouchers could wind up involving several hundred
animals. "Everybody is saying, 'When are they coming back?'" Mock said.
"I've heard a lot of people say 'I would have had them fixed a long time ago
if it was affordable.'"

Dr. Bob Guy, a retired Oxford veterinarian who is overseeing the rig's
Mississippi tour, worked alongside at least seven Mid-South veterinarians
over the five days. They included Drs. Casey Mitchell, Ken Gordon, Kathy
Kvam, Lydia Love, Justin Unruh, Karen Brewer and Isis Johnson.

Guy also thanked local restaurants that sent food for doctors, staff and
volunteers: Mi Pueblo, Coleman's, Domino's and Papa John's in Hernando and
Tops in Southaven.  

Shelter director Larry Houston said the county Board of Supervisors and road
manager Russell Dorris helped grease the wheels for the visit. The
Department of Road Management gave up part of its parking lot for the rig to
set up.   — Wayne Risher: 662-996-1421





8. MORE NEWS BITS
"Katrina Broke My Heart," painting by Katrina dog-artist Larry,
CHARITY AUCTION for Dog Rescue
http://tinyurl.com/mcse2
[copy/paste URL into browser window]

"Katrina Broke My Heart" was painted by dog-artist Larry. Larry was rescued
from the devastation in New Orleans after Katrina.

Read Larry’s story: http://www.hhdane.com/mix/larry.htm

Larry paints with his paws as he pauses and reflects on what he has
survived. This beautiful original painting in shades of blues, pinks, and
greens is reminiscent of French impressionist painter Claude Monet. The
colors seem to swirl on the canvas like water pooled reflecting the colors
of the devastated city of New Orleans. The brightness of the colors in
"Katrina Broke my Heart" emotes a sense of hope. Hope that one day New
Orleans' fragmented, colorful pieces will be restored.

Larry is able to reflect back now that he was rescued by Harlequin Haven
from the frightening aftermath of Katrina. Larry hopes that he is adopted
into a forever home and that the heartbreak caused by Hurricane Katrina
becomes a distant memory.

This beautiful original 5 x 7" painting comes already framed and matted and
ready to add to your collection... All proceeds from Larry's paintings go to
care for Larry and the other dogs at Harlequin Haven.
SOURCE: Susan Meyer, susankiwikiwi@hotmail.com
———————————————————————————————-

LOVE FOR ALL, MEDIUM OR SMALL..
Last Katrina Reptile headed home!
Good news! "Tigger" the large Australian Coastal Carpet Python is finally on
his way back to his (very excited) Dad in New Orleans.  With the exception
of one Ball Python whose owner was deceased, and one lizard being held by a
member of TortoiseAid's Board of Directors (just in case the owner changes
her mind and finds suitable housing,) ALL other reptiles and amphibians we
brought back with us from Louisiana have now been reunited with their
owners!

Its been a lot of hard work tracking people down, but its been well worth
the effort. Our final owner reunification rate stands at 95%. Needless to
say, we are very pleased.
SOURCE: Annie Lancaster, Director, TortoiseAid International Inc.
tortoiseaid@tortoise-aid.org
http://tortoise-aid.org
———————————————————————————————-

Louisiana Senate Votes Out Cockfighting  - Bill now goes to the House
Senator Lentini’s anti-cockfighting bill passes unamended in Senate. The
vote was 30 yeas, 4 nays, (with 5 absent). It will now be sent to the House
for their consideration.

CONTACT: Pinckney A. Wood (helping Senator Lentini on bill)
p.a.wood@juno.com
SOURCE: Marnie Reeder, starbright60@webtv.net





9. Alley Cat Allies' Feline Forum 2006:
Creating a Bright Future for Feral Cats in Louisiana and Mississippi
SOURCE: Bonney Brown, campaign director, Alley Cat Allies
bbrown@alleycat.org; 435-644-8583
http://www.alleycat.org


Alley Cat Allies Presents Feline Forum 2006:
I. The Future of Feral* Cat Management - Mississippi
WHEN: Thursday, June 22, 2006

WHAT: Free half-day workshop for animal control officers, directors, and
other animal control staff members from Mississippi.

(Advance registration required)

WHERE: Humane Society of South Mississippi

SPEAKERS:
*   Nathan Winograd, President, No Kill Solutions, San Clemente, Calif., former
    Director, Tompkins County SPCA, Ithaca, N.Y.
*   Ceily Trog, Supervisor, St. Bernard Parish Animal Control/Shelter
*   Dez Crawford, President, Louisiana Animal Control Association, Director of
    Operations, Louisiana SPCA
*   Diane Blankenburg, Alley Cat Allies, Katrina Recovery Project

WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
*    Local Animal Control Success Stories  
*    Why and How TNR Works
*    Medical Myths Uncovered
*    FREE Networking Lunch

TO REGISTER:
Call 601-749-5084 OR send an email to nolaalleycat@yahoo.com by June 16.
In your message please mention:
*    the Gulfport, June 22 session (we have another workshop in LA)
*    your name
*    your animal control department or organization
*    phone number where we can reach you
*    the names of any colleagues who will be joining you

DIRECTIONS:
Humane Society of South Mississippi
2615 25th Avenue; Gulfport, MS 39501
228-863-4394, ext. 103
HSSM is now located at the corner of Hwy 49 (25th Avenue) and 27th Street,
just one block north of Pass Rd. If traveling I-10, exit at Hwy 49 (Exit
34A) in Gulfport and travel south for about 3.5 miles. Humane Society on RT.

*Feral is defined as "having returned to an untamed state from domestication."
The Free Dictionary
———————————————————————————————-

Alley Cat Allies Presents Feline Forum 2006:
II. The Future of Feral Cat Management – New Orleans
WHEN: Friday, June 23, 2006

WHAT: Free half-day workshop for animal control officers, directors, and
other animal control staff members from Louisiana or Mississippi.

(Advance registration required)

WHERE: Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport

SPEAKERS:
*   Nathan Winograd, President, No Kill Solutions, San Clemente, Calif., former
    Director, Tompkins County SPCA, Ithaca, N.Y.
*   Richard Speck, DVM, Lead Veterinarian, Animal Protective League, Springfield, Illinois
*   Ceily Trog, Supervisor, St. Bernard Parish Animal Control/Shelter
*   Dez Crawford, President, Louisiana Animal Control Association, Director of
    Operations, Louisiana SPCA
*   Lee Ann Matherne, Supervisor, St. Charles Parish Animal Control
*   Diane Blankenburg, Alley Cat Allies, Katrina Recovery Project
 
WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
*    Local Animal Control Success Stories  
*    Why and How TNR Works
*    Medical Myths Uncovered
*    FREE Networking Lunch

TO REGISTER:
Call 601-749-5084 OR send an email to nolaalleycat@yahoo.com by June 16.
In your message please mention:
*    the New Orleans, June 23 session (we have another workshop in MS)
*    your name
*    your animal control department or organization
*    phone number where we can reach you
*    the names of any colleagues who will be joining you

Up to five staff members per department/organization admitted for free, $15
for each additional staffer. There will be a $30 fee for attendees with
non-animal control jobs.

DIRECTIONS:
Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport
6401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie (New Orleans), LA 70003
ph: 504-885-5700
Free Parking
From Baton Rouge and New Orleans International Airport:
Take I-10 East from Baton Rouge to Veterans Blvd. (Exit #225) or Airport
Road from the airport. Turn LT onto Veterans Blvd. Hotel is on RT.
From North:
From North of Lake Pontchartrain, take the Causeway South. Continue south to
I-10 West. Continue on Interstate 10 West to the Veterans Blvd. exit. Turn
LT on to Veterans Blvd. Hotel is located on RT side.
From Mississippi:
Take I-10 West to New Orleans. Follow signs for Baton Rouge while on I-10
and take Exit #225, Veterans Blvd. Turn LT onto Veterans Blvd. Hotel on RT.
From South:
Follow I-10 to the Veterans Blvd. (Exit #225). Make a LT on Veterans Blvd.
Hotel is on RT. New Orleans International Airport is 3 miles from the hotel.

Sorry, but the hotel does not allow pets.
———————————————————————————————-

Alley Cat Allies Presents Feline Forum 2006:
III. Creating A Bright Future For Feral Cats
In Louisiana And Mississippi
WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 2006

WHAT: Seminar for cat caregivers, humane groups, and residents who care
about cats.

(Advance registration required)

WHERE: Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport

SPEAKERS:
*   Nathan Winograd, President, No Kill Solutions, San Clemente, Calif., former
    Director, Tompkins County SPCA, Ithaca, N.Y.
*   Peggy Atkerson, President/Founder, Barns Cats, Inc., Lewisville, Texas
*   Richard Speck, DVM, Lead Veterinarian, Animal Protective League, Springfield, Illinois
*   Sandra Kooper, Executive Director, Spay and Stay, Gurnee, Illinois
*   Diane Blankenburg, Alley Cat Allies, Katrina Recovery Project

WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
*    Tricks of the Trade (hands on care advice)
*    How to Talk to Anyone About Feral Cats
*    Medical Myths Uncovered
*    Do the Right Thing: How you can get public to do their part
*    When the Cats Cannot Stay
*    Getting the Support you Need to Succeed
*    Continental Breakfast, Networking Lunch and Happy Hour

REGISTRATION:
You must register by June 19 to be assured a space.
$25 per person for Mississippi or Louisiana residents.
$50 for out-of-state residents.
For registration application, call Alley Cat Allies at 601-749-5084
or email nolaalleycat@yahoo.com.

DIRECTIONS:
Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport
6401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie (New Orleans), LA 70003
ph: 504-885-5700
*SEE DIRECTIONS UNDER II. The Future of Feral Cat Management – New Orleans





10. Volunteers Sought For NOLA Pet Evacuation Plan
SOURCE: Laura Maloney, Laura@la-spca.org

Laura Maloney, Laura@la-spca.org writes: As you may know, the City of New
Orleans is planning to evacuate pets with their people. We’ve been working
closely with planners to offer guidance in the plan’s development, obtaining
resources such as kennels and leashes, participating in drills, and working
with state and federal officials to fill-in the gaps.  
  
SEEKING: Interested volunteers to help residents with their pets at 13
pick-up points in the city as well as the two staging locations.

TO APPLY: If you are interested, please review the job description and
qualifications below. If you qualify (or will qualify by June 15), please
complete the attached application and email it to ginger@la-spca.org or fax
to 504-368-3710 by June 10.

Although the LA/SPCA is providing assistance, it’s important to understand
that this is a City evacuation process and not the LA/SPCA’s.
We greatly
appreciate your help and support in ensuring that animals are safely
evacuated with their families. Hope to see you at the upcoming orientation!
  
VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Successful completion of IS 100 and 200 NIMS courses by July 15, 2006.  
Training available online: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/nimsOther.asp
  
IS 100 Intro to IC
IS 200 Intro to IC

  1. Completion of Louisiana SPCA volunteer orientation (see schedule below).   
  2. Basic animal handling experience.   
  3. Work well with others of diverse backgrounds and education levels.   
  4. Demonstrate natural leadership ability.   
  5. Ability to work with crowds (you are not responsible for crowd control, but must be able to work in a chaotic environment).   
  6. Ability to follow direction and procedures.   
  7. Ability to maintain composure under pressure.   
  8. Personal evacuation plan in place.   
  9. Provide proof of a tetanus vaccination.   
  10. Show proof of age (minimum age requirement is 18).
NOTE: Upon completion of the above requirements the volunteers will be
credentialed for the City evacuation ONLY and must evacuate the City after
the assigned volunteer tasks are completed. Credentials expire the day the
disaster strikes and do not allow re-entry into the City.
 
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION:
The Louisiana SPCA will offer volunteer orientation on the following dates:
  • Saturday, June 17 from 9:00am-12:00pm   
  • Sunday, June 18 from 9:00am-12:00pm   
  • Sunday, June 25 from 9:00am-12:00pm
 
Orientations limited to 30 people.
Held at The Louisiana SPCA, 701 Thayer St., New Orleans.  
Pre-registration is required. email: ginger@la-spca.org or call 504-368-5191, ext. 142.
  
Volunteer orientation will be a basic introduction to the following topics:
- Process/plan review
- Reading animal behavior
- Basic equipment and handling
- Animal handling practice; dealing with aggressive animals
  
VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT: Pet Evacuation Assistant at Pick-up Locations
Reports to: Pet Evacuation Emergency Coordinator
Summary: Provide assistance to residents with pets who are using New Orleans
city-assisted evacuation process during mandatory evacuations. Volunteers
work under direction of LA/SPCA.
Job Duties:
*   Greet people arriving with pets.   
*   Provide soft-sided carriers to people with small dogs or cats who arrive with no carrier;
    provide muzzles to residents with dogs that are too large for soft-sided carriers.
*   Ensure pets do not get on bus without restraint.
*   Maintain radio contact with bus drivers to advise the number of people with pets awaiting transport.    
*   Maintain radio contact with LA/SPCA evacuation supervisor and respond as requested.   
*   Identify potential problem animals.   
*   Assist bus driver in seating people with pets so that pets are kept at reasonable distances.   
*   Maintain order, as possible, with people with pets.   
*   Demobilize at the end of the evacuation process and/or as requested by LA/SPCA supervisor.   
*   Safely evacuate yourself from danger zone.   
*   Other duties as assigned.
  
VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT: Pet Evacuation Assistant at Staging Area
Reports to: Evacuation Emergency Coordinator
Summary: Provide assistance to residents with pets who are using New Orleans
city-assisted evacuation process during mandatory evacuations. Volunteers
work under direction of LA/SPCA following guidelines/complete paperwork.  
Job Duties: Assist in pre-planning by labeling carriers and items in advance of a storm.   
*   Provide guidance to residents with pets who arrive at one of the main staging areas.  
*   Greet people arriving with pets.
*   Ensure all pets are safely loaded into carriers.  
    Owners should handle their own animals; volunteers only assist if problems arise in the loading process.
*   Provide soft-sided carriers to people with small dogs or cats who arrive with no carrier;
    provide muzzles to residents with dogs that are too large for soft-sided carriers.
*   Ensure that pets do not get on the bus without restraint.
*   Assist city employees/military in barcoding process for pet identification.   
*   Identify potential problem animals; notify LA/SPCA staff person in-charge.   
*   Assist loading busses with pets.   
*   Assist in determining what pets can ride on laps of owners and what pets must ride separately.   
*   Demobilize at the end of the evacuation process and/or as requested by LA/SPCA supervisor.   
*   Safely evacuate yourself from danger zone.   





11. From Katrina’s Ruins: Veterinary Relief Fund
SOURCE: LeAnne G., yepitsme770@yahoo.com
Dale Churchill of http://www.DogPhoto.com


LeAnne G., yepitsme770@yahoo.com writes: I've been talking with Dale
Churchill of Dogphoto.com (links to photos at bottom) about his photo
journal taken in NOLA. He told me a wonderful story about a group of Vets he
worked with. He mentioned that he took the dogphoto.com pics to help raise
money for the Vet Relief Fund.I asked him to tell me more about the Fund.
With his permission, I am sharing with you his response.
  
Dale Churchill wrote:
The Veterinary Relief Fund,
http://www.vetrelieffund.org
, was formed by the 2 vets (husband /wife) who  
own the Veterinary Referral Clinic. They handle the tough surgery cases that
small local local vets can't. Less than a mile from the causeway, the flood
stopped 3 blocks short of their door and they only lost the roof and front
wall of their building, so were able to stay in operation.

Due to their occupation, they knew personally, every vet in NO, and I toured
with him as he went looking to see who hadn't been washed away. Each time he
found someone, he asked the same question, "What do you need to get back in
operation?" Then he pulled out his check book and started buying —
generators, food, whatEVER. I met one vet who came to the ruins of his
practice, just because he hoped to find some dry clothes. In 2 hours he had
125 cats surrendered...all past clients who didn't even know where THEY'D be
sleeping next, asking for help. Boy was HE glad to see us show up with a
1000 pounds of kitty litter!

They told their employees (50) that they were taking their 3 month "Cash
Cushion" and spending it on local vets... "Here’s your paycheck for the next
30 days, we don't know if there will be more, so if you need to take this
money and move on, God bless you"

EVERY one gave the check back and said "Lets get to work".

They have since been replacing medical books, x-ray machines and the like,
and have created a fund which other vets use to "pay the bills."  Any vet
providing care for a disaster victim can send the bill for surgery and care,
and they pay it. Double-good deeds. The animals get the care they need, and
the vets can get a (reduced) paycheck that they can apply to their own needs
— payroll, reconstruction whatever they would have normally done, just as
if the bill had been paid by the person bringing the animal in.

DONATION TO VETERINARY RELIEF FUND:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/donations.html
  
DALE’S PHOTOS: http://www.Dogphoto.com
  
Pets of People Who Have Lost Jobs & Homes:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/pets_of%20_people_who_lost_jobs_and_homes/index.htm   
VRF Working with The Louisiana Veterinary Referral Specialists Hospital:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/Rescues_from_LVRSC/index.htm    
VRF in Cooperation with Best Friends:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/Supporting_Best_Friends/index.htm    
VRF in Cooperation with Noah's Wish:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/Supporting_Noahs_Wish/index.htm    
VRF in Cooperation with Paws In Need:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/Supporting_Paws_In_Need/index.htm   
VRF in Cooperation with PRC Compassion Relief Team in New Orleans East:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/PRC_Compassion_Relief_New_Orleans_East/index.htm    
VRF in Cooperation with Rescue Teams and Police Dogs:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/Supporting_Rescue_Teams_and_Police_Dogs/index.htm    
VRF in Cooperation with St. Tammany Humane Society:
http://www.vetrelieffund.org/images/pets_in_need/Supporting_St_Tammany_Humane_Society/index.htm





12. No-Kill Vision For NOLA Area
SOURCE: Garo Alexanian, Executive Director, Companion Animal Network
garo@companionanimalnetworktv.org


Garo Alexanian, garo@companionanimalnetworktv.org writes: Having completed
our successful transport of 34 dogs and 9 cats in March from the New Orleans
outer region animal control agencies in March (50% of which have already
been adopted out and all the TV and print news reports are now on our home
page at http://www.CompanionAnimalNetworkTV.org) we returned two weeks later
to look into the possibility of monthly transports.

Between April 4-11 we met with the directors of animal control agencies
which surround New Orleans: St. John’s Parish, Ascension Parish, Terrebone
Parish, St. Charles Parish, Plaquamines Parish, as well as several no-kill
private organizations in these parishes. We also had telephone conferences
with the directors of animal control of Lafayette Parish and Jefferson
Parish. Our partnering local organization, the Humane Society of Louisiana
was immensely helpful as usual...

We found every single one of these government run agencies to be operated by
the most wonderful, compassionate, and competent  people we had ever met.
Sadly, almost all of them are forced to euthanize some of their animals (as
many as 75% in some instances), especially now as a result of the 25-50% per
capita increase in intakes as a result of the coattail affect of Katrina...

The purpose of our latest trip was two-fold: 1) arrange monthly out of state
transports to save those animals’ lives and 2) to get the New Orleans and
surrounding area animal control agencies, who have for decades had one of
the highest per capita euthanasia rates in the country, to begin operating
under Maddie’s Fund guidelines. The long term plan for New Orleans and the
surrounding region, as we see it, would be to make a formal Maddie’s Fund
grant application after two years. If successful, in two years time,
Maddie’s Fund would then bring in millions of dollars of funding  for the
following 7-10 years to assist the region to go low or no kill at their
animal control agencies. For the more immediate future we are hopeful, after
meetings and conversations with major national organizations who have
stepped up to the plate in the past, that they will financially support the
region with such regularly scheduled transports.

We urge you and your organization, shelter, and humane society to join in
this effort to help transition the New Orleans area to low or no-kill. We
recognize that your area is probably not a no kill area either, however, the
goal of reaching no kill in a region of the country can only be reached if
one region at a time is transitioned in a collective effort. Due to the
horrific catastrophe of Katrina, New Orleans is in the position of either
re-creating what existed before….one of the highest, if not the highest, per
capita kill areas in the nation or, the region can take the bold and
exciting step, with the collaborative effort of the rest of the country, to
create a low or no-kill community.

One by one all communities in the nation must assist one another to reach
our goal of ending the killing of pet animals nationwide. If you help the
New Orleans area now by arranging the transport of their animals for
adoption to your region (even if you only do one or two transports a year or
one or two animals a month) your community will likewise receive national
help when your area is ready to make your own Maddie’s Fund grant
application to bring no-kill animal control to your community...

The next step is ours. We can either do what we know works or stay stagnant
and complain that government kills our beloved animals. We at the Companion
Animal Network
will always choose the former and we hope you will too.

********************************************************************************************
Caring about innocent animals caught in Katrina’s wrath
doesn’t diminish human suffering. It makes us human.
********************************************************************************************


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Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 11:34  AM
To: 7. KINSHIP CIRCLE Animal Disaster Relief List
Subject: [GULF COAST] Volunteers Still Needed in New Orleans


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********************************************************************************************
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Kinship Circle - Action Campaigns I Literature I Voice For Animals
Nonprofit animal advocacy group working in animal disaster relief and campaigns
Brenda Shoss, president: info@kinshipcircle.org or disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
http://www.KinshipCircle.org

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