|
|
|
|
|
Ironically this spring, Beaumont's Ford Center was the host site of Texas' Hurricane Conference for emergency management professionals and local officials. Four months later, the Center, surrounded by the destruction wrought by Hurricane Rita, is one of two staging centers for animals rescued from the wreckage. Although animal health officials estimate that more than 30,000 Texas pets and livestock were evacuated prior to the storm's strike, many more were left behind, and their owners are unable to retrieve or house them immediately.
More than 12 agricultural-related agencies and associations are working cooperatively to address pet and livestock issues regarding rescue, water, feed, veterinary care or carcass disposal, to support the Gov-ernor's Division of Emergency Management and local governments coping with the havoc from Rita.
Currently, the Houston team has authorization to provide animal rescue in Hardin, Orange, Harris, Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria and Liberty counties. Harris County Rabies/Animal also is assisting in some counties. The animal rescue team in these counties can be reached at 713-802-0555.
Evacuated horses are being held at the Nacogdoches Expo Center, and companion animals are being moved to the Angelina Expo Center in Lufkin, TAHC reported. This site will be able to respond to requests from officials in Tyler, north Newton County, Nacogdoches, Jasper, Sabine, San Augustine, Angelina and Polk counties.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has provided a $25,000 grant to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) for emergency response supplies for veterinarians. Dr. Elbert Hutchins, TVMA executive director, purchased and arranged delivery of generators and emergency response supplies for veterinarians in Winnie, Beaumont and Jasper without power to run essential medical equipment.
Veterinarians in the hurricane-stricken counties who need support should alert the TVMA at 1-800-489-7347.
TAHC said reports of cattle losses have been few. Livestock feed and hay donations can be coordinated through the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.
The Texas Department of Agriculture's Hay and Grazing hotline also can help producers locate hay for sale and lease pastures. Information can be obtained from the TDA toll-free at 877-429-1998, or on the TDA's web site at http://www.agr. state.tx.us.
The TAHC also maintains emergency evacuation holding facilities, if producers need a temporary site for livestock moved from storm-damaged pastures. All sites are subject to availability and should be contacted prior to moving animals. Information can be obtained on the TAHC web page at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us or by calling 1-800-550-8242.
