Throwing a Lifeline to Shelter That Helped Save Others in Floods

OPELOUSAS, La., April 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Landry Parish Animal Control employees describe their rural shelter as "small in size but big in heart"—and their actions during the August 2016 floods certainly warrant this description. Lending out supplies and kennels to neighboring shelters, St. Landry Parish Animal Control employees spent days working around the clock to ensure animals without shelter were housed safely within their small building. The shelter stretched its limited resources during the floods, which is why when recent structural problems arose, the building was forced to close its doors—the small shelter simply didn't have the funds to pay for its own critical repairs.

To throw a lifeline to the struggling shelter, American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, is today awarding St. Landry Parish Animal Control a $20,000 grant, which will allow for the repair of the crumbling insulation and harmful drainage issues that caused the shelter to temporarily shutter its doors. The repairs needed are crucial for the safety of animal residents at the shelter—currently, insulation from the damaged ceiling drops onto dog beds and in their food bowls, and drainage issues have caused a backwash of spills within the shelter kennels.

The grant money, which St. Landry Parish Animal Control will receive this week, will immediately be used to begin repairs, and will also fund temporary kennels for the animals to live in while construction the structure and drainage issues are fixed. In addition, the grant money from American Humane will be used to increase the size of and improve their cat room. The room, which currently has no windows or doors, severely limits the ability for the cats to move around freely and gives them no access to the outdoors at all. The shelter plans to add a doorway to the room and outdoor playground for the cats to roam around.

Details of the event:

• WHEN: April 10 at 11:00 am
• WHO: Dr. Lesa Staubus of American Humane will present the shelter, its director Stacey Alleman, her staff and animals with a giant check for $20,000
• WHERE: St. Landry Parish Animal Control, 255 Hangar Road, Opelousas, Louisiana

Following the devastating flooding in Louisiana, American Humane sent its animal rescue team and two giant rescue vehicles to help pets in hard-hit Livingston Parish. They 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."

When asked about their efforts helping neighbors during the floods, St. Landry Parish Animal Control simply stated, "We did all we could to help as many as we could." And now, thanks to the $20,000 grant from American Humane, they can continue this selfless sentiment in a soon-to-be updated building that will house hundreds of local cats and dogs awaiting their forever homes.

"It takes compassion to help an animal that has no voice," said St. Landry Parish Animal Control Director Stacey Alleman. "It takes understanding to daily mend the unwanted. It takes hope that someone will hear the humane need for help for the animals. American Humane, by giving St Landry this grant has become so much more than HELP...they have become the HOPE that each animal here was desperate for. Thank you for hearing our hearts wishes, allowing our work to continue, and allowing our animals comfort and hope for homes!"

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. To learn more about American Humane and its 100 years of work in rescuing, caring for, and building a better world for animals, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

SOURCE American Humane

Related Links

http://www.americanhumane.org