This tuxedo cat was rescued within weeks of Katrina and transported to Jefferson Feed and Garden Supplies in New Orleans for ID intake 268x140

Found: Tuxedo Cat

  • Breed: Tuxedo, Domestic Short Hair
  • Gender: Male
  • Age: Adult  /  Size: Small
  • ID: Katrina Rescue #2/SpayMart

Description: This kitty was rescued within weeks of Katrina and transported to Jefferson Feed and Garden Supplies (New Orleans) for ID intake. He wore a pink and white flea collar, same color/style as one of SpayMart's other Katrina rescues. He is a bit skittish and has somewhat of an attitude.

Last Seen: New Orleans, Jefferson Feed and Garden Supplies.

Contact: 504-838-9167
sandra@spaymart.org
SpayMart (Metairie, LA)
George is a large gray brown tabby last seen 8/29/05 after Katrina 268x375

Missing In MS: George

  • Breed: Gray, Brown-Tinge Tabby
  • Gender: Male
  • Age: Adult  /  Size: Large

Description: George is a large boy with green eyes, four white paws, and two white stomach patches. He has a lump on his right side which the vet believes was caused by a pellet gun. If you rub his right side you can feel where the pellet entered his side. We are looking for rescue groups who may have saved animals in this area. Please help us reunite George with his mom.

Last Seen: George, seen 8/29/05, was boarded in Ocean Springs, MS near Dogwood Drive. George may be trying to find his way home to Biloxi, MS.

Contact: Elaine Chichizola
201-410-7280
Red disappeared from 2804 Lloyds Avenue in Chalmette, Louisiana 293x292

Missing: Red

  • Breed: Orange Tabby Cat
  • Gender: Male (neutered)
  • Age: Adult
  • Size: Large

Description: Red is a large orange neutered male with white on his stomach and paws. He has a teeny notch on one ear. He is very ticklish on his back near tail. Forward this info to anyone able to assist. All help in finding Red is deeply appreciated.

Last Seen: Red disappeared on Monday 3/27 from 2804 Lloyds Avenue in Chalmette, Louisiana (St. Bernard Parish). I have placed posters in the area with his picture and an ad in the local paper.

Contact: Minnie Poloma
504-559-2878, epoloma@aol.com
Pets Roaming In NOLA

Save Senior Dog's Life


6/24/06  ~  Senior dogs are hard to place but it's worth a try to save this boy from euthanasia. Can you or anyone you know save Elvis' life? Not sure if he's a spitz or spaniel mix. Elvis' [guardian] left him at Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter in West Monroe. The [guardian] did not give the shelter any information so they proceeded with adoption efforts, unaware he was a senior dog. I called the vet's office on his rabies tag and learned he is 13-years old (doesn't look or act that old), neutered, current on shots till Oct 2006 and heartworm negative. Now that the shelter knows his age, I imagine they'll kill him. Adoptions are slow at this always full pound.

To Save Elvis, Contact:
Christy Primm
PAWS of NE Louisiana
318-348-4944, christyprimm@yahoo.com

Abused Cat Needs Kind Heart

6/30/06, To Help Abused Cat, Contact: Nancy nancyjwl@yahoo.com  ~  I live in an apartment complex in Pearl, Mississippi (about 6 miles SE of Jackson). A cat has taken up residence on my patio. He/she is in a sad state. Eyes are matted shut. A neighbor told me someone threw boiling water on this cat, so the fur is scorched. I've tried to wash her face, but she won't let me. She has never hissed, bit or swatted. Yesterday I held a bowl of milk and an egg near her face, since she can't see me, and she drank it all. She's also eaten canned dog food I have on hand and I keep fresh water available. I have a dog and unfortunately no means to fund veterinary care for a stray cat. Nearby shelters told me they'd likely euthanize the cat. CARES in Clinton has no room. The cat seems sweet, just terribly afraid. She's only known cruelty at the hands of humans. Can anyone give her compassion and safe refuge?

Small Bites

News named Small Bites as a reminder to donate small-bite food (or cat food) for animals.

Free Cat/Dog Food Coupons
Nutro Products offers a free bag of food for filling out a short questionnaire. You can help ARNO by collecting coupons! One per household, but if you get a load of friends on the task, every bit helps.
Mail Coupons To:
Animal Rescue New Orleans
1219 Coliseum Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-571-1900


Nearly 200 Cockatiels Need Homes
6/26/06, Manhattan Bird Club  ~  Someone dropped off almost 200 cockatiels at a Petco. Our club has found homes for a few, but it barely made a dent. If anyone can help, please Contact Petco and/or Manhattan Bird Club for information.
To Help The Cockatiels, Contact:
Petco in Middletown, NY
845-692-6691
For more information, Contact:
Anna, nycompanionbirdclub@yahoo.com


More Food/Water For NOLA Animals
Southern Animal Foundation
504-671-8235
To Trap/Feed Contact:
Deanna Theis, 504-975-PETS
itsgwiff@yahoo.com

6/30/06, Deanna Theis  ~  Southern Animal Foundation (SAF) is organizing a new food/water group to work in conjunction with trappers. We've recognized an obvious but overlooked need that numerous people asked to help rejuvenate. Our top focus is cats, as we're inundated with TNR cats, and a large majority of females are pregnant again.

Cat food, gift cards, and monetary donations will help us kick start this effort. SAF is a 501c3 nonprofit and your gifts are tax-deductible. We plan to begin section by section, monitoring (and moving if necessary) f/w stations, while trapping out that area. Non-populated areas are first priority.


Help St. Charles Shelter Animals
St. Charles Parish Humane Society
13875 Frere Street off River Road
Under I-310 Bridge in Luling
985-785-9136 or 985-783-5010
St. Charles Humane has adoptable dogs and cats at Metairie PetSmart every Sat/Sun. 504-455-2222, 6851 Veterans Blvd

6/30/06 Overflow Situation In Aftermath Of Hurricanes, astrostar29@cox.net  ~  There are a lot of dogs and cats in urgent need. These sweet animals will be PTS if they don't get out.
Mama and her puppies are among abused pit bulls in ongoing Avondale cruelty case 320x340

Unchaining The Avondale Pits
6/26/06 Update, Mary Thompson  ~  Here are pics of Mama and her babies. We still need to find foster/rescue for them. Case update: The [guardian] signed two of three citations, refusing the one for Phoenix, his brother's dog. Not what he told the ACO 2/25/06. They sent it to the DA as a refusal and are vying for an early court date. Phoenix is at Southern Animal Foundation in heartworm treatment.

Story Behind The Avondale Pits
Two rescuers in New Orleans happened upon two dogs at an Avondale, LA address while working with Villalobos staff on a reunion. The dogs were tethered on short, heavy, padlocked chains. No food, water or shelter. Phoenix was emaciated and his skin rubbed raw from the padlock and chain. The other dog (Spice) had a doghouse, but couldn't reach it on his short chain.
After months of trying, three dogs (the third, Mama, gave birth to five pups) were removed from this Avondale address 5/18/06. The [handler] signed a release for two and a euthanasia request for the other. On 5/20, he requested the animals back. Elena at Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter got this case on a docket with Judge Messina for 6/8/06. A petition plea was sent to Judge Messina. Animals were placed on hold until after the hearing. No animal has been euthanized. The case was drawn out through September, at which time criminal proceedings unfolded. In the end, sick Phoenix recovered at Southern Animal Foundation, along with Mama and her pups. Villalobos Rescue Center in California fostered dogs and all were eventually homed.


Anderson Cooper at a book signing in New Olreans is thanked for his Katrina animal rescue coverage 320x246
Anderson Cooper Book Signing
6/25/06 New Orleans, Celeste artloverlibra@gmail.com  ~  Today I went to Anderson Cooper's book signing at Octavia bookstore Uptown. I went with Leigh and Beth-two fellow rescuers. We gave him the "If I Leave, They Leave" tee shirt and some info. We thanked him for the Katrina coverage he has devoted to animals. He is too cute!

Homes For Horses, Katrina Wiped Out Mississippi Stables


North Florida Horse Rescue and Habitat for Horses
Reply To Chris Dunn: President, North Florida Horse Rescue
SE Regional Rep, Habitat for Horses
352-478-2412, 904-626-1990, Ravenwoodfarmdun@aol.com
5860 Trawick Road  /  Keystone Heights, FL 32656

6/27/06, Chris Dunn  ~  North Florida Horse Rescue/Habitat for Horses received a call from Dan Durson in Mississippi. She and her partner Edmund Malley ran a boarding stable that was wiped out during Katrina. They were on leased property, lost everything, and can't get any aid from FEMA. They have several older horses they need to place in homes. The horses are located in Kiln, MS.

Habitat For Horses assigned this to me since my territory is Mississippi. But it is far from me and hard to find placement for an older horse. If you or anyone you know can help these horses, please Contact me.

Movie: Dark Water Rising

6/26/06, Mike Shiley, Director  ~  I am pleased to announce a private DVD release of Dark Water Rising: The Truth About Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescues. About The Movie: 50,000+ dogs and cats were left behind in post-Katrina New Orleans. Animals who survived floods were locked in homes and chained to fences without food and water. Rescuers risked their lives to sledgehammer down doors, brave toxic floodwaters and dodge corrupt cops in a race against time to rescue some 10,000 trapped, starving animals. Some worked with Humane Society of the U.S., while others joined a more aggressive outfit code-named Winn Dixie. This film is about hope and survival…

Buddy is a sweet little Shih Tzu who needs a foster home 241x216

Volunteer For Used Dogs

Used Dogs
In Algiers, just outside Algiers Point
Reply To: Madalin Bernard, 504-442-DOGS (3647)

6/30/06, Madalin Bernard  ~  I need a few volunteers experienced with pit bulls for basic obedience and to help clean. Regular shifts are ideal. I could also use computer-skilled people. Used Dogs tries to limit animal intake to Algiers and is a "neighborhood rescue," rather than breed rescue. That said, most of our dogs are pit bull or pit mixes. I get some smaller dogs, but only the "tough squirts" thrive because the energy is too rambunctious.
That leads to my present dilemma. Buddy is a sweet little Shih Tzu who needs a foster home. He is going blind. His [guardians] lost all in the flood, but plan to move back into their rehabbed home at year's end. I can shelter Buddy here if I get assistance with his eye meds and overall care. I need someone to spend quality time with him. Between his failing eyesight and the rough nature of other dogs here, poor Buddy requires 100% supervision when just sniffing around the yard.

Buddy has his own kennel in the shady grass, comes into the AC sometimes, and has a regular Friday date with a friend. But he needs more. I have no experience with a dog going blind, plus I am stretched thin… I'm exhausted, like everyone here, but have worked hard to build an oasis for homeless dogs. The un-sheltery space is designed to make the dogs happy. I want Buddy to get his chance too.
An injured horse after Hurricane Katrina 293x234

Filmmakers Seek Hurricane Horse Rescue Images


Submit Materials To:
Gretchen A. Luther, Skinner & Company, Inc.
502-583-4492
fax: 502-583-4499
gretchen@skinnercompany
635 W. Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
6/29/06, U.S. Equestrian Federation  ~  Skinner & Company of Louisville, KY, is producing an important documentary film to raise awareness of equine rescue in disasters, focusing on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They need video and/or photographs of the following:
  • Area storm footage
  • Horses during/after storms
  • Equine rescues, especially footage of horses reunited with families post-storm.
  • Equine casualties, damage to farms, barns, property
  • Rescue/reunion stories

Eric Rice with poodle mix Bandit, whose Katrina displaced guardian sued to get him back 248x496
Top: Bandit, Eric Rice and his dogs in Annapolis, MD. Bottom: Bandit went home to Malvin in New Orleans.



Other Viewpoints

Zelda Penzel  ~  This rush to feel sorry for an old fellow is all well and good, but the welfare of the animal should be of primary concern.
Gary Whitten  ~  I traveled to New Orleans in September and January to rescue animals left behind by their [guardians]. Some evacuees tried everything reasonable to see to the welfare of their pets. But way too many abandoned pets with little or no concern for their fates. Even awhile after the storm, as I and others traveled from all over the country to rescue animals, many [guardians] right in the vicinity (e.g. Houston, where I flew in to and rented a car to get to New Orleans) still made no effort to save their own pets.

We saw dogs chained in their own homes. One dog was chained under garbage. His chain was shorter than the high water mark, yet somehow he was alive. Many dogs rescued from inside closed houses had no visible food or water, no sign that [guardians] made any effort for them. We found a new mother dog in a closet, starving herself to keep her puppies alive. In January, we found another new mother whose [guardian] housed her in his damaged, water-soaked garage. He did not provide food/water to the mama dog or her days-old pups. We spotted the mother on empty streets, scrounging for food.

I feel that anyone who leaves pets behind (in a setting where they're likely to die) is at the very least, suspect. The burden of proof, regarding their capacity to care for any animal, lies with them. I would not rush to return an animal to someone who failed to take reasonable responsibility for the animal – until there is strong indication otherwise.

A man who leaves "a bucket of food and pail of water on the front porch for his poodle, Bandit," assuming the small dog will safely weather a category 4 or 5 hurricane in an area well below sea level did not, to my mind, demonstrate enough concern to merit the return of his dog, no questions asked. Some very admirable people had no way to get their pets out, and thus, stayed behind with them. But far too many didn't care and let others aid their pet. Then when it was all over, they wanted their pet back. I think any original [guardian's] worthiness ought to undergo case-by-case evaluation, to avoid returning an animal to someone who may place the animal in harm's way again. It's a mistake to hand over a pet without a closer look at the original caregiver's commitment to properly care for that pet. Animals should not be treated like property. There is more to consider than just legal "ownership."
Kinship Circle  ~  Here we go again. This story attempts to vilify Voices For Animals, the group linked with Bandit's transfer to Pittsburgh. Highlight an animal-rights stereotype, rather than a message of compassion. Fear-monger readers into a mindset that all animal advocates are extremists, to shut down anything they say – even discussion of one Katrina dog's welfare. There is never anything wrong with empathy and respect. We're all alive and sentient. None of us are property or things.

When this reporter devotes several paragraphs to Voices' mission and activities unrelated to Hurricane Katrina or Bandit, he passive-aggressively invites readers to see them as "wacko fringe." It's a divisive ploy that detracts from the issue at hand: What's best for Bandit.

I personally wish Bandit and Malvin a happy future together, back in New Orleans. However, the broader point is that each Katrina custody case differs significantly from the next. No one can make blanket assumptions. And certainly, reporters ought to leave political bias out of the story.

Katrina Evacuee Sues To Get Poodle Back

6/25/06 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, By Dennis Roddy  ~  When Malvin Cavalier fled to the Superdome as Hurricane Katrina bore down on his 9th Ward New Orleans home, he left a bucket of food and pail of water on the front porch for his poodle, Bandit. "I figured, "I'll be in the Superdome, the storm hits, I'll be back in a couple of days, go home and Bandit'll be there and everything will be normal," Cavalier said.

That was August 28. Today Cavalier lives in a Houston apartment, waiting for a New Orleans home. Bandit was last seen in the Pittsburgh area, brought here by an animal rights group and given to a woman whose attorney has suggested Cavalier, 86, is unfit to care for the dog. "Bandit's my dog. That's just stealing."

The battle pits Cavalier, a retired sheet-metal worker and widower, against Lisa Fox, whose last address was in McCandless. Cavalier's attorney can't find her.

Eric Rice, an Annapolis, MD businessman and Katrina animal rescuer, said many shelters adopt out animals without efforts to find [guardians]. Some assume any pet left behind was neglected. "There are rescuers so far into the animal side of it, they're not into the people side," said Rice.

In his lawsuit, Cavalier says Fox got the dog from Peter McKosky, a leader in Voices for Animals of Western Pennsylvania. McKosky picked up Bandit along with other animals at a disaster rescue center. McKosky was supposed to take animals to Chenoa Manor, a Chester County shelter, pending reunion with their [guardians]. McKosky has since left his home in Belle Vernon, says his father. He did not return messages.

Other custody fights have erupted over Katrina pets. Scott Hendler, an Austin, TX lawyer, recently had a Rottweiler puppy returned to Catherine and William Taylor. Hendler filed suit in Texas after a rescue group there, Rottielove, arranged for the dog's adoption rather than return him to the Taylors.

"Rescuers decided the puppy would be better off with a family now rather than wait three weeks until original [guardians] had means to reclaim their dog," Hendler said. False "assumptions were made."

Similar disputes have arisen in New Jersey and Illinois. The Louisiana Attorney General's office assigned a deputy to negotiate the return of pets whose rescuers want to keep them. No one has kept a tally of pets displaced by Katrina. Before the storm, according to an estimate by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Gulf-area animal population was 205,000 dogs, 230,000 cats, 46,000 birds and 2,000 horses.

At least 4,926 animals went through [Lamar Dixon Expo Center] in Gonzales, LA. An estimated 15,000 animals were rescued by over 400 groups. The mix of emotions and ideology has put Mimi Hunley, Louisiana's Deputy Attorney General assigned to deal with the disputes, in a difficult spot. Louisiana doesn't file suit for individuals and can't file a class action with so many groups involved.

"In these cases, there's not one defendant, just various shelters nationwide," Hunley said. She's negotiated for the return of at least 15 animals. Bandit's case ended in frustration. "I reached a point where I was not accomplishing anything with these people," she said.

At the time, negotiations occurred between Carolyn Flamm, a Pittsburgh lawyer who represented Fox and Voices for Animals, and Sandra Bauer, a Canadian animal activist with Stealth Rescue. Bauer's group works to reunite pets and [guardians]. "It sort of spiraled out of control," Hunley said. Bauer found a lawyer for Cavalier and negotiations stopped. Flamm said "there's a good chance we'll settle amicably." She declined to say if Bandit was still in the Pittsburgh area.

Voices for Animals of Western Pennsylvania has picketed restaurants that serve goose liver pate and protested outside Shrine Circus for abuse of animal performers. The group promotes a meat-free diet, objects to hunting, and protested last year's Bassmaster Classic Fishing Tournament.

Its website states: "We envision a society where animals are viewed as respected members of our communities, rather then seen as mere human-owned commodities. Our goal is to educate about issues affecting animals and encourage ethical and sustainable choices that reflect underlying compassion and respect for all sentient beings – regardless of race, class, sexual orientation, gender, age or species."

According to the lawsuit, Bandit came into the hands of Voices for Animals when McKosky traveled to Gonzales, LA, where pets were sheltered. "McKosky represented himself as an authorized agent" of Chenoa, and left with many pets. Instead of taking Bandit to Chenoa, the complaint says, "McKosky retained possession of Bandit" and later "refused to return Bandit, suggesting that the elderly Cavalier was irresponsible in abandoning Bandit, and thus an undeserving [guardian]."

Cavalier was forbidden to take his dog to the Superdome. He left food and water and propped his front door open to let Bandit in and out at will. "I didn't have any idea I'd be in the Superdome 6 days. I didn't know the levee would break," he said.

Cavalier says Bandit is the last remnant of life with his wife, who died in 2003 after 54 years of marriage. He has a new home waiting in the 9th Ward, once FEMA sets up a trailer on his lot. "I'll try to get my dog back and take him with me everywhere," he said. "Before this year's out, I'm going home to New Orleans, and I'll have Bandit with me."