September 22, 2005

The Wisconsin Humane Society Rescues 92 Animals from Hurricane Katrina

The Wisconsin Humane Society received 80 cats and 12 dogs today from Louisiana and Mississippi as part of our relief efforts to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina. All of the animals that arrived in Milwaukee were at two separate shelters that were nearly devastated by the storm. The shelters were overrun by animals and had no running water or electricity. The animals brought to WHS had been stranded in the shelter since before the storm and the shelter workers who had lost their homes were working day and night caring for them.

The dogs will be available within the next week and the cats will not be available for about two weeks. The animals are all different ages and sizes. Despite the long drive to Wisconsin, they are settling nicely into their latest temporary home. WHS has offered animals from this transport to other area shelters and placement groups and many will be transferred to those groups within the next few days.

WHS veterinarians have been medically evaluating all of the animals and providing them with the care and treatment that they need. We will continue to let everyone know the status of our new arrivals on this webpage. Check back often!

Guests of the Wisconson Humane Society's Temporary Shelter for Hurricane Evacuees at State Fair Park

Christopher was fighting for his own life when he got a glimpse of a little kitten floating on a log in New Orlean’s flood waters. Christopher plucked the five week old kitten off the log and didn’t put him down until he arrived in Milwaukee when he handed him over to the Wisconsin Humane Society to care for him in our temporary shelter at the State Fair grounds. The little kitten has been named Jerry and he gets a lot of attention, but none more than from his hero, who is feeding him a special kitten diet prescribed by a Wisconsin Humane Society veterinarian. Christopher visits Jerry throughout the day to make sure he is getting plenty of affection and care.

Missy arrived in Milwaukee with an injured foot. The Wisconsin Humane Society’s veterinarian Dr. Zeman, met her as she came off the plane and immediately cleaned and dressed her wound to prevent an otherwise inevitable infection. Dr. Zeman visited Missy and the others on Monday to provide medical treatments. Missy's guardian accepted Dr. Zeman's offer to bring her back to WHS for more extensive treatment of her injury.

To contribute online to help us care for our animals who have been evacuated to a Wisconsin Humane Society temporary shelter, click here and include "For animals from Hurricane Katrina" in the comments section.

WHS Designated as Animal Emergency Provider by FEMA and Red Cross

On Thursday, approximately 215 evacuees from Hurricane Katrina arrived in Milwaukee with 22 dogs and 3 cats.  Those animals will be sheltered at State Fair Park (near their guardians) and cared for by the Wisconsin Humane Society. We have been informed it is likely that many more people and animals will be arriving in Milwaukee during the next several days.

Financial resources to help the Wisconsin Humane Society care for the animals; provide them with food, veterinary care and supplies are appreciated. To contribute online, click here and include "For animals from Hurricane Katrina" in the comments section. Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to the Wisconsin Humane Society, 4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208. Please indicate the donation is for animals from Hurricane Katrina.

Thank you for your support!

Responding to Hurricane Victims

The Wisconsin Humane Society has been working closely with colleagues throughout the nation who are responding to the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. WHS has been asked to work with FEMA, the Red Cross and other Emergency Response organizations to ensure the safety and well being of any animals that may arrive with evacuees in Wisconsin. In anticipation of the needs of people evacuating to our area and to help other displaced animals, WHS has assembled foster homes.