Hurricane Isaac Response: ASPCA on the Ground

Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 5:00pm
Hurricane Isaac Response: ASPCA on the Ground

As you know, exactly seven years after Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isaac is devastating Gulf Coast communities. Waist-high flooding has forced thousands to evacuate their homes, and as first responders work to rescue people stranded by the storm, the ASPCA is planning rescue operations for stranded and imperiled animals.

The ASPCA’s response to this crisis is only just beginning and is evolving by the minute, but we have taken the following measures:

  • Our top experts are working closely with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team to plan and execute rescue.
  • We’re deploying responders to conduct door-to-door rescue of animals in flooded or abandoned homes.
  • We’re assisting a Louisiana animal shelter facing flooding.
  • We are supplying boats and other equipment for critical water rescue missions.
  • We transported animals from a Mississippi shelter to make room for possible Isaac victims.


If you’re seeking a way to help, you can make a gift to the ASPCA here. The ASPCA relies on the support of compassionate people like you to conduct rescues like this one and to assist animals facing other crises.

Tags: 
Disaster Response
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Comments

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 22:40 — rosi (Visitor)
Yes I can, I will and I do. When I read about abuse, it makes me so mad, I want to kill the perp, and not quick and painless either.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 19:37 — Carol Guzy (Visitor)
All updates on Isaac rescue efforts and any other info about ASPCA

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 19:52 — SHIRLEY MEZORI (Visitor)
Please do not be disheartened by the cruel comments of some. The majority join you in your wonderful efforts on behalf of the animals. God bless you for caring and all the hard work that this kind of effort requires.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:02 — Christine Wright (Visitor)
I live in CT but called the mayors office in New Orleans and Fox News prior to the storms arrival begging them to ask residents who are under mandatory evacuation to please take their pets with them. I suggested there be somewhere these animals could be safely sheltered if owners had no way to bring them. So once again we have stranded and drowned animals. Frustrating and heartbreaking. Most of those who do not evacuate will not because of their pets. Better facilities need to be available for these owners and their animals.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:45 — monica (Visitor)
Most of the video that I watched yesterday were of people who stayed because they had pets. The authorities were rescuing both the residents AND THEIR PETS.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 23:15 — Julie gill (Visitor)
I work with a volunteer group in Bossier City,LA. During Katrina and Gustav we had a separate shelter for people to bring their pets during evacuation. We understand the need not to leave your fur babies. We were on standby to open during Isaac.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 00:16 — Maggie (Visitor)
I saw a news report this evening on khou.com in which one couple who had been rescued were NOT allowed to take their pets with them. The woman was crying because she had to leave her cats and dog behind. I thought that, after Katrina, the federal government changed the rules and that people were to be allowed to evacuate WITH their pets? Here's the video: http://www.khou.com/video?id=168067086&sec=548547&ref=rcvidmod . So upsetting!

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 02:01 — Pat (Visitor)
You are correct, the law states pets are allowed to be rescued with their owners. That woman has a case if she wanted to pursue it!

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 06:54 — t (Visitor)
I would never save myself over my pets...They wouldn't be left home because they weren't accepted at a shelter..these people had time and warning to get the heck out...I don't care if I had to walk the whole way.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:08 — Darlene (Visitor)
I am so confused as to where the animals are going and what to believe. I live in Utah where Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is. Are some of the animals being sent there? What else can we do besides donate money?

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:09 — melody (Visitor)
We live in Kentucky on a fixed income. I can send a few dollars and I know every little bit adds up. But I could also foster a few small dogs until their owners can claim them if that would help. So if anyone is coming up this way send me a few. We take better care of our dogs than most people do of their children.. As long as you don't mind them being spoiled rotten. It would kill me to know my dogs were out there wondering the streets alone and afraid. I live about an hour from Lexington, Cincinnati or Ashland. I can come to any of those place to pick them up. Send me an Email if I can help. Thank you ~Melody~

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:10 — Paw Angel (Visitor)
Believe me, I'm NOT criticizing the wonderful folks at the ASPCA or anyone in the Rescue Communities in this crises. But the question asked in Way Too Blunt form by another person has merit. Are the animals being shipped to No Kill Shelters? And, is Good photography being done so that families can locate their animals? I am a donor and volunteer to my local SPCA and am very proud of it. Just wanting a little more info. We, here in Abilene wouldn't mind helping a few sent out our way. Sending animals already in the shelters that have not been retrieved by the public before the storm; to make room for the ones that will inevitably fill the kennels, is a great plan. This needs to be fully featured as far and wide as possible before the public’s eyes are drawn away from this issue.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:20 — Pirkko Kuronen (Visitor)
Uninformed comments about ASPCA's efforts to help animals in distress as a result of Isaac, such as the one posted by "Troll" above, are cruel and stupid. I live far, far away from Louisiana, but I can tell you I would never leave my cats behind. They are my responsibility. They count on me. I am their life-line. Sink or swim. In a situation such as that, I would welcome the help of ASPCA and is volunteers.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:27 — Susan Guthrie (Visitor)
First of all, thank you all so much for the work that you do. I am an ASPCA Guardian, and I love donating the little bit that I have to help. All of my animals are rescues, the only kind I will add to the family. Yes, people need to be able to find their furry family members after the storm, so records need to be kept. I would rather have my dogs and cats picked up and taken to any shelter, than have them starving, fighting, or killed on the streets. It is unfortunate that things don't always work out perfectly, but the ASPCA does the best that they can. Thank you all.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:31 — Donna (Visitor)
Until you folks who cry for no kill shelters go out and ensure that the whole world spays and neuters their animals please realize that for every no kill shelter there is another one (probably your local pound) who has to take in all these animals that the no kill shelters turn away. As a former shelter employee, I can tell you no one who works with animals wants to euthanize them. EVER. But where are the homes for the millions of unwanted animals born every year. Stop screaming for no kill and go out and scream SPAY AND NEUTER and focus efforts there. Maybe someday every shelter will be no kill much to the delight of everyone!

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 23:14 — Rita Philpott (Visitor)
Before you accuse the ASPCA of not addressing the pet overpopulation problem, perhaps you should do some homework. They support and promote spaying and neutering and their programs reflect this.

Mon, 09/03/2012 - 01:00 — Janelle Carson (Visitor)
You didn't READ the comment you replied to. The person has done their homework and couldn't have said it better!!

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:38 — Sherrie Jacobs (Visitor)
SOOOO appreciate your response to the Isaac situation for our furry friends. THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:56 — Stephanie (Visitor)
What might be good is an application that can be brought up quickly during a crisis. A db of animals that are found, with a pic of the animal, where they were found and where they are now. It would be great to be able to follow the animal so if an owner sees their pet online they know where they are. If the animal is microchipped it would be easier. There could be a cell phone app that during a rescue they could snap a pic of the animal and it could geolocate where they were when they found the animal. Maybe this isn't a realistic suggestion, but I think something like this might help with the aftermath in re-uniting animals with owners. I would think if owners had a website where they could search by criteria such as where they were found, breed, color, microchip etc. we may have more re-unions. Anyone think this would help or is there already something like this?

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 21:03 — Silverthorne (Visitor)
I know that they will scan pets to see if they already have a microchip and will track down the owners that way if they can (BTW, for those of us who do chip our pets--ALWAYS keep a close tab on what info your chipping company has--a lot of people get the chip, fill out the info once, and then never ever update the info again. Which means if you move, you change vets, or your pet is given to somoene else after that, the info is out of date. And even though we're a lot better these days with tracking down old info, it's still difficult. So, my suggestion is this; even if you have a 'simple' no-frills chip service, make sure to update the info on your pet with them at least once a year--maybe around the same time you get your pet's yearly shots (especially useful if you live in a state that requires yearly rabies shots--use the chacen to update the tag information on the data base to check everything else and make sure it's current).

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:58 — Izzi (Visitor)
Thank you so much to all the volunteers, full time employees and the organization as a whole for taking the time out of their schedule to help those who do not have a voice and actually truly need the help, the animals and pets out there. Thank you again.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 20:58 — Kristyl Adams (Visitor)
Aspca should post some rescue photos of the flooding happening now. People like to see proof of efforts.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 22:00 — April (Visitor)
How about you turn on the news channel? You know...the little box that you may have in your house, that projects dim deer pictirs. There is lots of proof of rescue on there

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 21:01 — maria (Visitor)
I give a small monthly amount to SPCA and own 2 awesome strays that I was lucky enough to find and change their lives, they fill mine with love. Its one animal at a time guys. For those of you with horror in your hearts and spirits of doom, I'll pray you NEVER own any type of animal. Hope you get yours, Karmas awesome!!

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 21:11 — Beryl Russell (Visitor)
We were so lucky to be able to adopt our Pit Mix from the CT SPCA. She came up north in a truck shipment from GA...and it was love at first sight when we saw her in her crate. We made an adoption donation for her and the SPCA took care of her dental needs. She's in a warm loving home now because the SPCA did not kill her. They saved her until the time was right for her new home. SO, thank you SPCA for helping the animals that are scared and lost due to storms like Isaac.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 21:54 — April (Visitor)
I wish y'all could fly me there to help! My heart is breaking for these animals and people. May God bless you and guide you through this crisis

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 22:22 — Love A M (Visitor)
My local SPCA has been helping me taking care of a small colony of ferals. They also loan me crates and traps so that i can domesticate some of the ferals and things have been working out great - both for the animals and the neighborhood! Don't know what I would have done without them! My only wish is that I can give more! God bless them all!

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 22:53 — amber (Visitor)
who can get these animals?

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 22:53 — amber (Visitor)
who can get these animals?

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 23:12 — Joanie (Visitor)
The ASPCA does not use shelters that kill. like any organization they do their best wit what resources they have. 1 Spay/neuter your animal 2 Ensure your microchip info is updated on yourpet with the co mpany should your contactinfo change 3 Collar pets w contact infonbefore storms and getbthem life preservers. 4 DONATE 5 legislation for animal shelters to have families bring pets crated. 6 Ignorenstupid commensband keep focus on animals not uninformed Animals need the attention more. correct once and move on- FYI my neighbor adopted a great lab from Katrina who was unable to be relocated with family. Never chain animals to anythimg- They cannot run or swim and water will drown them- Praise from Florida I support ASPCA and Humane Societies and am a volunteer. Everyblittle helps- God BLess

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 23:18 — Michell (Visitor)
Saw news of people being rescued with their pets, which was encouraging. As far as I can tell, however, there were no shelters for people and their pets in the southern part of the state. Dept of Agriculture had a place in central LA and one or two in the north. Doesn't sound good.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 23:18 — Michell (Visitor)
Saw news of people being rescued with their pets, which was encouraging. As far as I can tell, however, there were no shelters for people and their pets in the southern part of the state. Dept of Agriculture had a place in central LA and one or two in the north. Doesn't sound good.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 23:31 — bev (Visitor)
Once again, thank you, ASPCA, for all your time and efforts to save the animals. I am, and will continue to be, a life long supporter of your great work. God bless you.

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 23:36 — Heidi (Visitor)
The aspca always helps animals they do not harm them, this is why I donate to them and all animal lovers should do the same. People should always go to animal shelters to rescue dogs,cats, rabbits or any other animal, these beautiful animals need our help,our love and attention.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 00:20 — lyn (Visitor)
Income Statement (FYE 12/2010) REVENUE Total Contributions $111,344,562 Program Service Revenue $13,553,211 Total Primary Revenue $124,897,773 Other Revenue $8,196,341 TOTAL REVENUE $133,094,114 EXPENSES Program Expenses $88,221,029 Administrative Expenses $5,695,834 Fundraising Expenses $25,768,307 TOTAL FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES $119,685,170 Payments to Affiliates $0 Excess (or Deficit) for the year $13,408,944 Net Assets $188,024,402 Compensation of Leaders (FYE 12/2010) Compensation % of Expenses Paid to Title $510,464 0.42% Edward J. Sayres President & CEO

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 00:23 — Teresa (Visitor)
A shout out to the ASPCA & the Louisiana State Animal Response Team for the wonderful work that you are doing. I wish that I could be there to lend a hand. Blessings on you all! Teresa:a member of the Connecticut State Animal Response Team

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 00:38 — Ina (Visitor)
I would like to know if this comment is true: is ASPCA a no kill agency? I sent money to you and I know that people working there are wonderful, but the question is the agency's policies: to kill or not to kill. BC the animals saved should be sent to no kill shelters. Otherwise, why would you bother to jeoperdize people's life saving animals if they are going to kill shelters. This is very sad, if true. I also would like to know if and how this can be improved: I would never leave my best friend, my dog, behind, especially when she needs me. So I feel for people forced to leave their loved ones behind. How can we help, how can ASPCA help to change that retro law?

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 00:57 — Manel (Visitor)
I have given donations to ASPCA when ever I could. I read various articles about the way they have been working very hard and managed to help and rescue so many innocent and helpless animals from harmsway. I still believe that ASPCA is doing a wonderful job by helping and protecting defenseless animals. I hope they will be able to help and save as many animals as possible this time as well who are been affected by the hurricane Issac. Please god protect those innocent animals who have no voice of their own to defend.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 01:05 — Serena Hale (Visitor)
Actually the only people who knows who a individual really is is God and Crist. All else that I can say is that each person can do right in their life in any way as long it is actually rightouse.Anyone that respects life wheather it be creature or human life or even if they don't have respect for either that individual knows who they are and one day when apocolypse comes and the people from heavan show up, it is going to be revealed out loud to everyone on earth and from heavan who each human individual is and what they have all done in their lifetime.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 01:05 — Serena Hale (Visitor)
Actually the only people who knows who a individual really is is God and Crist. All else that I can say is that each person can do right in their life in any way as long it is actually rightouse.Anyone that respects life wheather it be creature or human life or even if they don't have respect for either that individual knows who they are and one day when apocolypse comes and the people from heavan show up, it is going to be revealed out loud to everyone on earth and from heavan who each human individual is and what they have all done in their lifetime.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 01:09 — Laura Umphenour (Visitor)
People who generally make these comments "Will the dogs actually be rescued or will be be hauled off to Houston or some other death camp to be killed? It is great publicity for your organization to solicite donations to add more lining to your deep pockets. Shame on you. While small rescues and shelters struggle to really help you kill."...are generally people who work for Humane Watch and want to discredit the Animal Welfare groups. They need to be ignored and not given any credit to. Humane Watch is funded by persons with agenda's and Corporations that want to continue inhumane treatment of animals. ASPCA and HSUS both came to Missouri when we had the floods and the BIG Joplin, MO tornado and did wonderful things for us. Not only help adopt out hundreds of animals but helped to take the Joplin killing pound from a gassing facility to a more humane euthansia facility. Missouri is home to Puppy Mills and the state with 1500 breeders in it. Many of them Commercial Breeders. ASPCA and HSUS is bringing attention to these horrible places and Humane Watch does nothing but try to tear down them.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 02:33 — Pat (Visitor)
Sorry, but these 'big' organizations you mention are not 'animal welfare' groups, but 'Animal rights' activists who spends the majority of their donations on lobbyists, big salaries, pension funds, etc. Read up on them. The HSUS is out to stop the breeding of any domesticated animal - so where are our companion animals to come from? More imports??????????

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 13:27 — va4045663 (Visitor)
if by "domesticated animals" you mean cats and dogs...a female cat can breed 4 times in a year, average 4 kittens per litter. Dogs breed a little less frequently. More cats are euthanized at shelters nationally than any other animal. HSUS is NOT "out to stop the breeding" of these animals. They are trying to get the word out that breeders right now are adding to the surplus of "domesticated animals" when there are many wonderful, beautiful, and just as loving animals looking for caring owners in shelters. If there were a giant swing away from paying for a bred "domesticated animal" (oh, I failed to mention horses, which are also suffering from neglect and need adoption from caring persons as more and more owners can no longer afford to keep them), then we wouldn't have so many "kill shelters", because the wonderful animals found by animal control, etc would be adopted out. Instead many people feel wrongly that a pedigreed "domesticated animal" is healthier and better in temperament, whatever. My experience has been otherwise--saw too many adopt pedigreed dogs and cats and suffer as their purebred had one after another health condition--while many of our stray, adopted cats and dogs have lived long and healthy lives. HSUS etc want you, too, to realize you can ADOPT a shelter baby and get at least as much love and affection as you would from a pedigree. They are NOT out to "stop the breeding of any domesticated animal." Too bad they're not out to stop the breeding of individuals like you, as it appears that your ignorance is sadly contagious.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 02:22 — Kamille Grace (Visitor)
WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT YOUR FOUNDATION DOES TO CARE FOR NEGLECTED, NEEDY & ABUSED ANIMALS......MANY BLESSINGS & THANKS!

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 03:09 — Therese Lambert (Visitor)
I want to thank you all for the awesome work you do in helping to provide safety and refuge for all animals. YOU are the true heroes in my book. THANK YOU . . . THANK YOU . . . THANK YOU!!! :)

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 21:11 — kendy (Visitor)
you are right.they do some great stuff and they are very miricle workers.I just love what they did and helping the animals.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 07:03 — Jill Mortimer (Visitor)
i am astounded at the negative remarks made by some people. What a pity YOU don't get up and do something for the animals. There is no way that the ASPCA or PETA "line their pockets". They work tirelessly to help all animals.There just are not enough good homes for the MILLIONS of animals that are abandoned, ill-treated - whatever. The law states that animals must be rescued with owners. However, don't forget that there are literally thousands of animals that are neglected, ill-treated and abandoned. The farm animals are even worse off, as there is little hope for them. Many people are doing everything they can.

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 21:07 — kendy (Visitor)
If you guys can not find homes for some of the animals i would be glad to take some of them in.I think they are so good animals and serviving that.That is so lucky.

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 08:23 — harold wilson (Visitor)
Animals rescued should NOT be returned to their owners who will only abuse them more

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 21:04 — kendy mcnatt (Visitor)
i think they should be returned because they HAD to leave them,because they had to evacuate the places.NOT like they were trying to leave them i know that they didnt mean to leave them and some of the people died trying to save there animals.So they died for saving there animals.

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