HURRICANE KATRINA UPDATE AND APPEAL

We thank all of who have contacted our organization in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina. In the midst of so much devastation, here is a bit of good news: under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, we were able to safely evacuate all of our sanctuary animals north, to Tyler Town, Mississippi. A handful of Humane Society workers are now living adjacent to the St. Francis Animal Sanctuary in that city.

While we escaped the catastrophic conditions in New Orleans, the approximately 500 animals now in joint custody of the two groups are now in a living situation, where there is no electricity, phone service or adequate supplies. We are now finally able to access water from a well. Generators, pet food, animal care supplies and clothing/ food for our workers, who have effectively been made homeless, are needed. We are operating at 115 Obed Magee Road in Tylertown, Mississippi, 39667.

Meanwhile, in the nearby city of New Orleans, the crisis continues. Alongside the devastating, heartbreaking human tragedy, pets and homeless animals are left to fend for themselves and are suffering and dying on the streets. We know of many rescuers and animal caretakers, who stayed behind to care for their animals, and are at great risk. Maddie Bernard, the founder of "Used Dogs" recently was able to contact us, and she described the gangs of armed and dangerous criminals moving along her street, where she is hiding with her animals. Pam Casey, one of the co-founders of "Spay Mart" stayed behind with her husband to care for hundreds of cats. The last time we had contact with them, they were hiding in the dark, protecting themselves from violent gangs and hoping to acquire a truck, so they could flee. Dr. Brian Ghere and Dr. Missy Jackson, both veterinarians, armed themselves and went into the city and successfully rescued the animals trapped at the Southern Animal Foundation Clinic. Dr. James Riopelle, a past President of the Coalition of Louisiana Animal Activists, is trapped at the Mercy Boggs Hospital with 100 companion animals. The need for our immediate help is overwhelming.

With our own pets, our sanctuary animals secured, we plan to join with other agencies to assist with rescue efforts of animals in New Orleans. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help hands-on can reach Johnna Harris on her cell phone at (504) 512-8777.

For those wishing to donate, we will put funds to use for supplies, housing and and relocating animals associated with the rescue effort. We cannot adequately provide for volunteers at our Mississippi location, until we have adequate, but we will eventually need volunteers to help with the intake/care of animals in Mississippi. We'll especially need building supplies to put up temporary housing.

Donations can be sent to:

Humane Society of Louisiana
P.O. Box 238
Sharon Center, Ohio 44274

Bless you for caring, and thank you so much for supporting us at this very difficult time.

Dana Nesbitt

President Humane Society of Louisiana,

In New Orleans

Checks can also be made out to St Francis Animal Shelter and sent to this address:

St Francis Animal Shelter
97 Obed Magee
Tylertown, Mississippi 39667
www.stfrancisanimalsanctuary.com