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September 9, 2005, 6 p.m.: Good News for Hurricane Katrina’s Human and Animal Victims!
We have an important victory to announce, and it belongs to you! We've just learned that animals are now being allowed to be evacuated with their human families. An official with FEMA told us that FEMA had received many phone calls about the forced abandonment of animals in New Orleans and that such orders are no longer followed or issued. Congratulations—this is your victory! The pressure must now focus on those who have the ability to ensure better plans for animals caught in future disasters—President George W. Bush and Congress.
We've received our first reports from PETA's team in New Orleans. Team leader Laura Brown reported early this morning that the team spent hours last night bathing, feeding, and walking some of the 1,000 rescued cats and dogs and 200 rescued horses who are being sheltered—and cooled by multiple fans—at a specially set-up compound in Louisiana. Space there is said to be limited, with as many as 500 more animals expected to be brought in today.
PETA's team members rescued their first animal last night on the outskirts of Orleans Parish, coming to the aid of an exhausted, panting, and soaking-wet shepherd-mix who they found stumbling along a crowded highway. The team quickly scooped the weary dog into one of their vans and checked her in at one of the animal rescue centers in New Orleans.
The team also welcomed a new member last night before heading to sleep—a mixed boxer who evidently didn't have a place to lay her head. Photographs will be posted as soon we receive them (our team has no computer access at this time).
This morning, members of our team met with animal protection agents leading the water rescues of animals before some headed out to the West Lake section of New Orleans to begin plucking cats, dogs, and others from the debris and transporting them to safe holding areas. Laura reports that an animal rescuer suffered chemical burns yesterday while working in the water—a grim reminder of the many dangers that the animals and their protectors face every minute.
Other team members spent the day in Gonzales caring for animals there. These members' experiences with the confused and scared animals have convinced them—as they should convince all of us—of the importance of preparing to protect our animal companions in case disaster strikes our own homes.
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PETA's House Government Reform Committee Testimony
Heroes of the Storm
Stars Urge Officials to Take Action to Protect Animals in Disasters in PETA Ad
Read the Latest News From the Gulf Coast
Listen to PETA's Reports From New Orleans
Watch Footage of PETA's Life-Saving Work
See Pictures of PETA's Rescue Work
