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July 12, 2010

ASPCA Provides Critical Funding for Pets Affected by Oil Spill

LASPCA

We have all seen the shocking photos of Brown Pelicans covered in black oil and other costal fauna washing on shore, but wildlife is not the only population in peril after the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Animal shelters in the affected coastal communities report experiencing two to three times the number of pets being relinquished than the same period last summer.

"The oil spill has had major repercussions for families in the lower Louisiana parishes including pet parents connected with the seafood, tourism and oil production industries," says Julie Morris, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Community Outreach. “A primary focus of the ASPCA is to provide support and resources to communities in need.”

In response to the recent economic hardships that continue to mount for coastal families—the ASPCA, the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA), Best Friends Animal Society and several local organizations have launched the Gulf Coast Companion Animal Relief Program. As the lead sponsor, the ASPCA will offer a generous grant to provide free pet care to residents of Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, Terrebonne Parish and Jefferson Parish. It is estimated that this initial contribution will prevent 1,000 pets from facing relinquishment by their families.

“The ASPCA granted over $10 million to the Gulf Coast region in the aftermath of Katrina and is pleased to be help to offer support once again,” says Morris. “Through the generous contributions of our donors, we are pleased to join in this collaborative effort to positively impact the companion animals affected by the Gulf Coast tragedy and improve a dire situation for hundreds of families.”

The free services, provided by licensed veterinarians at the Louisiana SPCA will include:

  • Basic exams, including tests for feline leukemia and FIV in cats as well as heartworm in dogs
  • Vaccinations
  • Microchipping and registration
  • Spay or neuter surgeries

In addition, dog food will be generously donated (while supplies last) by Del Monte Foods.

For more information on the free services, or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Louisiana SPCA.

Thank You!
Support from the following organizations has been critical to make this program possible: Del Monte Foods, Best Friends Animal Society, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter, Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society, Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter, Terrebonne Animal Shelter and the Louisiana SPCA.

Post your comments

Your comments are welcome here, but please remember to practice proper comment etiquette. Comments that include inappropriate or personal information will be deleted.

  • Submitted by Joann at:July 28, 2010 12:00 AM

    Info on contributing to this fund is found under the "visit the Louisiana SPCA" link at the end of the article. Here's the direct link: http://la-spca.org/Page.aspx?pid=509

  • Submitted by DeePlantation at:July 18, 2010 12:00 AM

    I am so grateful there are organizations and PEOPLE like you who are trying so hard to look out for these special creatures. Mankind sure does continue to find ways to hurt the very beings that bring so much love and goodness to their lives. Is there are special box for contributing to this cause? Thank you again!

  • Submitted by Sheri at:July 17, 2010 12:00 AM

    Thank you for publicizing this side of the BP disaster. It's heart-breaking and I hope we can all help save some innocent animals and keep them with their families.

  • Submitted by Noemi at:July 16, 2010 12:00 AM

    It just does not get any better than this....and to the person that suggested that BP get the money flowing on this effort also....bravo..this is also their responsibility.....thank God literally for the ASPCA......

  • Submitted by fay at:July 16, 2010 12:00 AM

    it is fantastic what you beautiful people are doing for those poor animals. god will reward u for that.wish i can help save them to and clean then.god bless all of you.

  • Submitted by bridgette at:July 16, 2010 12:00 AM

    To kathy..follow this link http://la-spca.org/Page.aspx?pid=509 ..every little bit has to help..even the $10...if all of us up here donated at least that, it would be $80 I love my dog to pieces and treat him as our child, I can't even imagine the grief these ppl are feeling..BP defintiely needs to help, but until they do, we need to be these defenseless animals voices.

  • Submitted by Alejandra at:July 16, 2010 12:00 AM

    Thanks for every thing you do!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Submitted by Kathy at:July 15, 2010 12:00 AM

    I belong to a social group that reaches 1000's of women across The world .I was wanting to post this and get some donations going in but there is no info where donations can be sent.Please get something set up quickly to help these animals. I'm afraid if BP does help it will be too late for many of these animals.

  • Submitted by Doug Rogers at:July 15, 2010 12:00 AM

    It's such a shame that one of the biggest and most profittable industries in the world is able to reak havoc on so many aspects of human livelihood. Shame on BP and shame on our government for allowing this to happen and not stepping up to correct all the damage being done to the gulf communities, the gulf ecosystem, the gulf families, businesses, wildlife and now, our dear pets are being affected. Dispicable is the only word I can muster that describes how I feel in reference to the handling of this situation. I would like to emplore everyone to start contacting their local, state and federal elected officials to make things start happening. Then, start contacting BP's offices anywhere the exist and make sure they're aware they need to do something to help, not only the human victims, but the animal victims as well. Also, put out the word and ask your friends to step in and do the same. Make contributions if possible. This part of our world needs help desperately.

  • Submitted by Luis at:July 15, 2010 12:00 AM

    Pick up the phone and call Washington BP has to put up the big check. It is heart breaking I am in tears just watching this video. BP and Washington should be held accountable for this disaster. These people should be reunited with their pets. I just beg that they do not euthanize them. I am in South Florida anything we can do to save these pet. For one contribution isn't going to help becasue they already said they will be euthanized in two weeks if no one adopts them. Please check shelters here in Florida to open up space for these poor dogs and cats.

  • Submitted by Pat Lukes at:July 15, 2010 12:00 AM

    I just saw the CNN story on the residents and people of the oil spill giving up their pets. Please stop what you are doing right now and pick up the phone and call your contacts in Washington DC and force them to get involved in getting a big fat check from BP. No unemployed person due to the oil spill should have to give up a family member because of this. I'm sickened that no animal group has put a claim in yet. Please get these people's pets back to them and never have to fear that they have to make a choice between feeding their family or their pets. THIS IS A NO BRAINER!

  • Submitted by Scrib at:July 15, 2010 12:00 AM

    Animals have to be put down sometimes because shelters do not have the money or space to feed, water, house, and care for all of them. Refusing to donate money because a shelter *might* put an animal down makes the problem worse. Even donating $10 buys cat and dog food so they can care for more animals.

  • Submitted by Robin Andrews at:July 15, 2010 12:00 AM

    How sad- BP makes millions and animals suffer- Why doesn't the CEO give up his sailing trips and help and contribute- the same goes for the rest of the upper crust- Animals don't deserve this- they only show love-- more of what people should learn from them- they are great teachers- Give what you can- do what you can do and let Washington know what you think-- We would all be a better world- Thank you to the groups that are helping!!!

  • Submitted by Star at:July 12, 2010 12:00 AM

    It is fantastic, what you people do!

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