Hurricane Katrina

Louisiana Disasters: More Restrictions

Best Friends Network, By Claire Davis  ~  When disaster next strikes the animals of Louisiana the state will require all rescuers be certified in advance and out-state veterinarians will be denied access. These decisions were announced at a meeting between a small group of dedicated rescuers and Dr. Renee Poirrier, DVM, head of Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association's State Animal Response Team (SART).

The group gathered in a plush downtown hotel to discuss how to get pets and their people out of danger the next time a hurricane strikes. Poirrier's main focus was to urge local shelters and rescues, as well as national groups, to develop memorandums of understanding with Louisiana parishes.

A pre-approved disaster plan improves response, she said, noting that Noah's Wish had done just that in Slidell last year, and it worked out quite well. But Poirrier said the most important part of disaster preparedness is individual responsibility. First, "tell residents they must have [their own evacuation] plan."

Though state shelter plans, including pet shelters, are underway, she won't publicly announce these plans for fear they'll encourage people to rely on the state rather than pre-plan to stay with relatives, friends, or pet-friendly hotels. State shelters are a last resort for those most in need, Poirrier said. She estimated some 7,000 people will need government aid, among them: evacuees who are disabled or without transport.

Russ Mead, a Best Friends Animal Society attorney, challenged Poirrier on that figure (suggesting it is too low) and also took issue with several other elements of her presentation. Mead asked if out-state veterinarians will be permitted to practice in Louisiana during the next emergency. Poirrier's response was quick and to the point: "Out-of-state vets will never be allowed in again," she said, citing laws that require practicing veterinarians have a Louisiana license. "The board's charge is to see that the people of Louisiana are well-served by their veterinarians."

Mead debated the wisdom of that decision, noting that in the days and weeks after Katrina, Best Friends could have offered $10,000 a week and still wouldn't have found any in-state veterinarians able to help the group. Several audience members seconded Mead's comments: "How many more thousands of animals would have died if (outside groups and vets) hadn't been let in?" one woman asked.

Poirrier said the only solution was for veterinarians to get a Louisiana license in advance, a proposal Mead deemed impractical for organizations like Best Friends that operate in many states. Audience members voiced similar dissatisfaction when Poirrier said a new process requires all animal rescuers be certified with the state before allowed entry into a disaster zone. Volunteers who are not state-certified will be asked to leave (stand down).

Required training includes completion of FEMA courses/exams: ICS-100 and 200 courses, plus NIMS-700 and 800 courses. Amanda St. John, of MuttShack Animal Rescue, told the audience that courses are readily available online. "You need to just go ahead and do it," Poirrier said. "It's not going to kill you."

Mead questioned Poirrier on whether someone who'd taken only two FEMA courses, but had 20 years field experience, would be allowed to rescue. "They will throw you out," was her response. At one point, the crowd gave Best Friends a small ovation, with several in the audience describing the group's aid as invaluable. That outburst followed Mead's assertion that "I can build a temporary shelter in 48 hours." Poirrier then said the state would gladly pair with Best Friends on shelters beyond the I-10 safety ring in Lafayette and Shreveport.

In the end, Poirrier urged groups to quickly develop memos of understanding with local parishes. It's the most logical step in better preparedness, she said. "I wish I had all the answers, but I don't."