Team Deployment
On September 15, 2008, the ASPCA deployed members of our Field Investigations and Response Team to assist Texas in dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Members included veterinarians, veterinary technicians, disaster responders and sheltering professionals, along with an ASPCA disaster response trailer. The group was stationed at the Area Command Center at the Texas Animal Health Commission in Austin and provided assessments in Liberty County, just north of Galveston, one of the hardest-hit areas.
“We were pleased to lend our assistance again, both in terms of human resources and equipment, in relief efforts for Hurricane Ike, especially so closely on the heels of Hurricane Gustav,” said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “By using our resources strategically and making key connections at the local levels, the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response Team is able to effectively respond to shelters and animals in need.”
Financial Support
In addition to deploying the disaster team, the ASPCA dispersed and pledged more than $75,000 in grant funding to organizations in both Texas and Louisiana following Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. The grant funding covered recovery costs, as well as transportation assistance, distribution of food and supplies, and other needs. Grant recipients included:
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Animal Aid of Vermillion Parish, Louisiana, for recovery and supplies
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Walter Ernst Foundation of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, for equine hay drops in southwest Louisiana
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Habitat for Horses Inc. in Hitchcock, Texas, for emergency hay after destruction of a new barn and sheds, and for 60 horses on site and another 300 in foster care across several states
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Hopeful Haven Equine Rescue Organization in Shreveport, Louisiana, for assistance with removal of hoof stock from flooded areas in Vermillion Parish, as well as hay
“Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters, the ASPCA is able to offer grants and emergency funds to assist organization affected by both Hurricanes Ike and Gustav,” said Sayres. “Over the years, these organizations have shown exceptional commitment and dedication the animals in their care, and we are happy to be able to provide assistance during their time of need.”
For vital information on creating disaster plans that include your pets, visit our Disaster Preparedness Tips.
Photo Journal
The following photos were taken by members of the ASPCA Disaster Relief Team on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, in Liberty County. The team conducted assessments of affected areas and met with City of Liberty animal control staff.
These two photos depict damage to Denham Springs Animal Shelter caused by Hurricane Gustav. This shelter is one of many to receive an emergency grant from the ASPCA to repair damaged kennels and once again provide a safe haven for Louisiana’s animals.
Liberty County, although not hit as severely by Hurricane Ike as some other parts of Texas, is dealing with the storm’s ripple of chaos. This group of displaced dogs, which includes three nursing mothers, is being cared for by a group of neighbors who have banded together to help the strays.
Equines can drop weight quickly—becoming dangerously thin—from enduring extreme stress and environmental changes, such as those caused by Hurricane Ike. Now that his owner has been allowed back into his home, this senior horse is once again being cared for.
This free-range pig is one of the lucky ones: he’s still with his owners, who sustained minimal damage.
After severe winds, rains and flooding, some people are now being allowed to return to their homes and care for their livestock. However, fuel is in short supply, and many are without electricity and running water.
The car contains one of the many furry families who evacuated and are now returning to their Texas homes after Hurricane Ike's devastation.