Southfield, Mich., Sept. 3, 2005 – The devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina was worse than anyone could have imagined. As people around the country unite to help the victims in their time of need, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is also joining the relief effort by sending an animal rescue team and is accepting donations to support this team’s efforts. Funds can be donated directly to MHS or through donation canisters at any local Pet Supplies “Plus” store. On Friday, September 2, the MHS animal rescue team received word of deployment to Baton Rouge, La. The team will depart on Monday, September 5 at 7:00 a.m. in three MHS vehicles stocked with supplies.
The MHS rescue team expects to help with a wide-variety of activities that may include rescuing and searching for animals, distributing animal-related supplies such as food and water, caring for animals at temporary shelters, setting up command posts at key locations and transporting animals.
Those interested in donating to relief efforts specifically targeted toward animals affected by Hurricane Katrina can contribute to the MHS rescue team in several ways:
· Donate securely online to the Hurricane Katrina Animal Relief Fund at www.michiganhumane.org
· Call 1-866-MHUMANE, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to make a donation using a major credit card
· Mail checks (payable to Michigan Humane Society) to: Michigan Humane Society, Attn: Hurricane Katrina Animal Relief Fund, 26711 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 175, Southfield, MI 48034. On the check, please indicate Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
· Drop off checks at a Michigan Humane Society shelter or veterinary medical center location in Detroit, Rochester Hills or Westland
· Drop off monetary donations at any metro-Detroit Pet Supplies “Plus” store
All funds raised in excess of those needed to support the MHS rescue team efforts will be donated to animal welfare organizations in the affected areas.
“The outpouring of support that the Michigan Humane Society has received for the animals affected by this tragedy is extremely touching,” said Debby MacDonald, cruelty investigator for the Michigan Humane Society and member of the rescue team awaiting dispatch. “There is so much that needs to be – and will be – done to help the animals, and this is a tangible way people can help the MHS make a difference in these devastated areas.”
According to MacDonald, monetary donations are
the most effective means for people to help due to the complexity of shipping,
distributing and storing food and other supplies.
Regular reports from the animal rescue team will be posted on the Michigan
Humane Society web site. For more information, call 1-866-MHUMANE, Monday
through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit
www.michiganhumane.org.
The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for over 100,000 animals each year at its three metro Detroit adoption and veterinary medical centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills and at its new, state-of-the-art Berman Center for Animal Care in Westland. Established in 1877, the MHS is one of the oldest and largest animal welfare organizations in the country. Primarily serving companion animals, the MHS’ programs include animal sheltering and adoption, behavior and training, veterinary care, reuniting lost animals with their guardians, cruelty investigation, emergency rescue, education and legislative advocacy. For more information, call 1-866-MHUMANE or visit www.michiganhumane.org.
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