WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, November 2, 2021 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced that the PEDIGREE Foundation awarded it a $5,000 grant in support of American Humane’s disaster relief efforts in Louisiana in the aftermath of deadly Hurricane Ida. The American Humane Rescue team deployed to manage a temporary animal shelter for hundreds of displaced animals.
“The southern-most parishes in Louisiana suffered the brunt of Hurricane Ida – a devastating Category 4 hurricane that caused widespread damage to homes and displaced thousands of families and their pets,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “Our dedicated first responders worked sunrise to sundown to ensure innocent animals were protected and given shelter during this traumatic time. We are so grateful to the PEDIGREE Foundation for helping us have the critical resources we need to provide essential care for our best friends in their worst times.”
Hurricane Ida was a destructive Atlantic hurricane that became the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana on record, behind Hurricane Katrina in 2005. An estimated 40 percent of houses were left uninhabitable in the area, and many animals were separated from their beloved families – leaving them panicked and alone.
The American Humane Rescue team spent four weeks running the temporary shelter with the assistance of Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter, Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter and national partner organizations. More than 100 animals were safely housed and cared for at the shelter by the first responders. A few of the lost pets were lucky enough to be reunited with their loving families, while others were transferred to shelters and rescues to find their own forever homes.
American Humane also completed a successful transfer of cats and kittens from Baton Rouge to Oklahoma using one of its 50-foot emergency rescue vehicles – taking them out of harm’s way and to an animal shelter with more available resources.
“We are so glad that American Humane was on the ground working in Louisiana to assist in the care of animals received by Hurricane Ida first responders,” said Deb Fair, Executive Director of PEDIGREE Foundation. “Supporting the critical work they do in times of crisis is an important part of PEDIGREE Foundation’s efforts to keep people and pets together; and is the first step in either helping pets get back to their families or finding them a new and perfect forever home.”
Whenever disasters strike, the American Humane Rescue team leaps into action. American Humane carefully monitors developing situations before deploying resources, including highly trained staff, volunteers, food and medical supplies, in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Providing care for stranded, injured and lost animals in the wake of a disaster requires around-the-clock attention to ensure the physical and mental health and wellbeing of each individual animal.
“It is support from donors such as PEDIGREE Foundation that helps make our lifesaving disaster relief efforts possible,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert.
The American Humane Rescue team was founded more than 100 years ago during World War I when the U.S. Secretary of War requested assistance caring for injured horses in war-torn Europe. Since then, American Humane’s team of animal first responders have been on the ground for virtually every disaster in our nation’s history, from Pearl Harbor, to 9/11, to Hurricane Katrina, to the devastating wildfires in Butte County, California and everything in between.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org.
About PEDIGREE Foundation
We believe every dog deserves a loving, forever home. PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to help end pet homelessness. Nearly 3.5 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. The foundation was established in 2008 by Mars Petcare, maker of PEDIGREE® food for dogs, to help increase dog adoption rates. We’ve awarded more than 5,700 grants and over $9 million to U.S. shelters and rescues that help dogs in need. At PEDIGREE Foundation, we’re working toward a day when all dogs are safe, secure, cared for, fed well, and loved. See how you can help at PedigreeFoundation.org.
