NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Noah's Wish is working with animal control officials in the city of Slidell, Louisiana to coordinate animal rescue. Terri Crisp, Founder and Director of Noah's Wish, has met with Slidell Mayor Ben Morris and Animal Control Director Damian Anti to assess the city's needs and a coordinated pet rescue operation is being implemented.
The animal control facility in Slidell was flooded with 10 feet of water and approximately 50 animals were evacuated prior to the storm. The Mayor of Slidell has made available a large warehouse that is being used to set up a temporary shelter for cats and small dogs. In a lot behind the warehouse, tents are being set up, and chain link dog-runs being built to house larger dogs. Once completed, the temporary shelter will be able to house over 1,000 animals. Over 400 trained Noah's Wish volunteers and 25 veterinarians will work around the clock to provide medical support and care to these pets.
"There are many dogs running loose throughout the city," said Crisp. "Many people left their animals behind when they evacuated and law enforcement has been cutting dogs loose as they find them." Approximately 200 stray animals have already been picked up by animal control and these animals will be moved to the temporary shelter. A database will track all animals that enter the shelter, with the goal of reuniting owners with their lost pets. Temporary shelter for pets will be offered to residents who lost their homes and are unable to keep their animals with them in shelters or hotels. One Noah's Wish volunteer, a veterinary technician from Indianapolis, is working to assess the needs of local veterinarians in Slidell so they can open their offices to treat injured animals.
The city of Slidell, located directly north of Lake Ponchatrain was devastated by Katrina. "We can use all the help we can get right now and I am incredibly grateful to have Noah's Wish here to coordinate relief efforts for pets," said Slidell Mayor Ben Morris.
Americans who want to help can donate online at WWW.NOAHSWISH.ORG. Donations go directly to help the animals of this disaster and cash is preferred as it allows the organization to purchase the supplies needed.
Terri Crisp reminds Americans that hurricane season is not over. "Don't wait for an emergency to strike -- be prepared for disasters and include your animals in your family's disaster plan. Make sure your pet always has proper identification in case they are lost." Crisp has been devoted to animal disaster preparedness, education, and response since 1983. She has responded to over 50 disasters worldwide including floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, and traveled overseas to aid in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami in 2004. She has trained volunteers, animal welfare organizations, and emergency management agencies across the nation and around the world, building relationships that enable her to work with organizations during times of crisis. Crisp is the author of two books, Out of Harm's Way and Emergency Animal Rescue Stories, which provide stories from some of the disasters she has responded to.
Noah's Wish is a 501 c3 not-for-profit organization based in Placerville, California (near Sacramento). Donations may be mailed to Noah's Wish P.O. Box 997 Placerville, CA 95667