FOLSOM, LOUISIANA, April 12, 2017 — 
Prior to the August 2016 flood that swept through the state, the CATNIP Foundation at Big Sky Ranch, a nonprofit animal rescue and sanctuary, was focused on finding proactive solutions to animal overpopulation in their community. A local leader, the CATNIP Foundation collaboratively worked to care for the countless stray animals that roam the area. So, as the August floodwaters rose, the CATNIP Foundation’s willingness to help the community did too—the organization spent over $35,000 in emergency response: providing rescue, relief and resources to the individuals, animals, and shelters in communities that sustained serious damage and devastation from the floodwaters.
To recognize their crucial role during the floods and help the organization continue their lifesaving work, American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, awarded the CATNIP Foundation at Big Sky Ranch an $18,000 grant. The grant money, which the CATNIP Foundation received at an event in Folsom, Louisiana today, will go directly toward the purchase of a Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) trailer, which will help prevent animal overpopulation and in turn, reduce euthanasia and suffering. The trailer will be used to safely transport large numbers of animals for spay and neuter services, as well for pet adoption in less populated areas of Louisiana.
“While our resources, our team members, and our space have been stretched thin [by the flooding and flood aftermath], our resolve is stronger than ever and we are ready and positioned to attack the ‘bigger picture’ problems that contributed so greatly to the tragedies of this flood,” said Dr. Catherine Wilbert, CEO of the CATNIP Foundation.
American Humane saw firsthand the impact that the CATNIP Foundation had on their community during the flood—American Humane’s animal rescue team and two giant rescue vehicles were on the ground in Louisiana, helping pets in hard-hit Livingston Parish. American Humane also worked with Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food to deliver 80,000 pounds of nutritious, free food to shelter animals in Louisiana. Now, to help support and rebuild these vital institutions, American Humane is providing a series of major grants during April.
“We are pleased that we can continue to aid the animals of Louisiana and help those who did so much to help thousands of dogs, cats, horses, and other vulnerable animals during the disastrous floods,” said American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. “We have been first to serve animals in disasters for 100 years and hope that this grant will serve to help many more in the future.”
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877.
About the CATNIP Foundation at Big Sky Ranch
CATNIP (Care And Treatment of Neglected and Indigent Pets) Foundation at Big Sky Ranch’s mission is to end the overpopulation, mistreatment, neglect, and ultimately, the needless killing of animals in their community and beyond. They do this through education, aggressive TNR, spay/neuter, foster, rehoming, adoption and programs targeted at special populations in need such as ferals, seniors and free roaming mother cats.
