Latest Update:
HAPPENING NOW: Saving Animals Impacted by the Catastrophic Flooding in Eastern Kentucky
It’s been two weeks since the catastrophic floods hit Eastern Kentucky, where so many lives have been upended and countless homes destroyed, displacing thousands of people and their beloved pets. American Humane’s Rescue team is on the ground conducting animal search and rescue and delivering critical supplies to impacted communities and local animal shelters.
This lifesaving work is fueled by supporters like you. Will you make a gift of $19 or more today?
On Sunday, August 7, American Humane received an urgent request to deploy to Kentucky as part of a coordinated effort with the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC) in the wake of one of the state’s deadliest floods in decades. The devastation killed 37 people and has left thousands of residents and their beloved pets without shelter and in urgent need of assistance.
In the aftermath of the catastrophic devastation, new dangers have quickly developed with extreme heat and the potential for even more flooding.
Right now, the American Humane Rescue Team is on the ground working alongside the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and ASPCA, helping local authorities and animal shelters in Perry, Knott, Letcher, and Breathitt counties. In addition to the four counties we are currently serving, an urgent request came from Floyd County to replenish their pet food and water supplies and field operations teams are currently assessing the needs and beginning field operations in that area.
We continue to coordinate our efforts with the NARSC to monitor local flood advisories and help guide local agencies through this process. As the deployment progresses, more information will be available through our communications staffers on the ground.
American Humane first responders have answered hundreds of calls in their short time on the ground, providing much-needed supplies and saving countless cats and dogs displaced from their owners. On Thursday, August 11, the Rescue Team was alerted to an urgent animal rescue request in Knott County. Neighbors in a local community heard several dogs barking from an unoccupied home affected by the tragic flooding. The team immediately set out to answer the call.
The mission to rescue these dogs was treacherous, with several downed trees and powerlines blocking their path. The team donned safety gear and used ladders to climb a washed-out ravine to reach the home. Upon arrival, the team saw a litter of dogs ranging from six months to 1 year old – desperate for help and suffering from dehydration, malnourishment and severe skin diseases, with all needing immediate veterinary care. After safely removing two dogs from the property just after nightfall, they were taken to Kentucky Regional Animal Shelter for comfort, care and medical attention. On Friday, August 12, American Humane first responders returned to the residence to successfully rescue the remaining three dogs on the property.
Thousands of residents in Eastern Kentucky have lost everything – many of whom are now homeless and residing at local Red Cross shelters, which are beginning to overflow with both humans and animals. First responders are frequently visiting these shelters to provide evacuees with animal crates, collars, leashes, harnesses, food and medications, along with administering medications, helping evacuees bathe and care for their pets and arranging veterinary appointments.
Although the devastation seems to be endless with extensive loss of life, destruction of property and boil water notices in effect due to substantial amounts of debris, including cars and homes afflicting natural resources such as the water supply – locals seem to be resilient. Many residents have courageously stepped in to help their neighbors, offering their land to store supplies, opening their homes to shelter their families and friends, and volunteering their time to assist others that have been relentlessly affected by the tragedy.
This lifesaving work is fueled by supporters like you. Will you make a gift of $19 or more today?