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For Immediate Release
As Hurricane Gustav Bears Down on Gulf States,
North Shore Animal League America Deploys Emergency Rescue Teams
Long Island Shelter Poised to Receive Rescued Dogs and Cats
August 30, 2008, Port Washington, NY - In a preemptive move, to beat landfall of Hurricane Gustav - that experts currently report to be a Category 4 hurricane - North Shore Animal League America has deployed its Mobile Rescue Units to the Gulf States region to begin animal rescues from affected areas under hurricane warning.
The Animal League, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, is preparing to accept homeless pets from areas where Gustav is expected to cause potential devastation. According to Joanne Yohannan, Sr. Vice President of Operations and Emergency Rescue, "It is intended that the emergency team's early deployment will mitigate potential animal loss of life, and make room in Hurricane zone shelters, in anticipation of many displaced animals as residents evacuate their homes."
Along with shelter and rescue partners in the area, the Animal League's emergency rescue team will remain in the Hurricane Zone, continuing to monitor the situation and be ready to transport added displaced animals as needed. The Animal League is also launching an online Animal Rescue Information & Resource Center on its website, AnimalLeague.org, posting updates and a rescuer's blog on the status of the animals and shelters in the area.
This deployment reflects the Animal League's ongoing relationship with its shelter partners in the region, said Ms. Yohannan, adding that in 2005 the Animal League went to the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged states to rescue animals. "Since then, we have continued to rescue animals from the region. The progeny of animals left behind in the wake of Katrina continues, and every four to six weeks we rescue and adopt puppies and dogs from the area. In addition, every year, our nationwide Tour For Life makes a stop in New Orleans to assist shelters there in saving animals' lives. They know that they can depend on our assistance. "
In 2005, following Katrina, the Animal League conducted 44 ground transports as well as two air transports of more than 1,600 animals, finding permanent homes for each of them.
To find out how you can assist North Shore Animal League America in this critical
effort to save the lives of innocent animals affected by this devastating storm, visit AnimalLeague.org.
About North Shore Animal League America
North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, NY, is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world. The Animal League reaches across the country to rescue, nurture and adopt nearly 20,000 pets into happy and loving homes every year. Since its founding 1944, they have placed closed to 1 million puppies, kittens, cats and dogs into carefully screened homes. One of the first animal rescue agencies on the ground in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Animal League rescued more than 1200 pets from the region, with 1170 adopted and 22 reunited with their families. The Animal League is home to the Alex Lewyt Veterinary Medical Center, which provides 24-hour care for the sheltered pets and annually takes care of more than 10,000 outpatient visits, administers over 27,000 vaccinations, and performs over 14,000 free spay/neuter procedures for every adopted animal. The League also has a National Shelter Rescue team, and offers a wide variety of programs such as a mobile adoption program, puppy training, and adoption counseling. For more information on North Shore Animal League America visit AnimalLeague.org.
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516.883.7575