Further refief ideas to help hurricane victims

September 2, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


AIKEN, S.C., --- Noted Aiken horsemen Jack Wetzel and Bruce Duchossois have been asked by the United State Equestrian Federation to help find safe refuge for animals displaced along the gulf coast by the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.

Wetzel and Duchossois received the following urgent message from the USEF Wednesday evening:

LEXINGTON, KY ---- As Americans view the newscasts of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, it is clear that both humans and animals require immediate emergency relief, from not only official agencies but from the generosity of individuals.

If you have a facility or pasture that you can offer to house refugee horses and ponies, victims of Hurricane Katrina, please e-mail your name, address, phone number and e-mail address to kcadams@usef.org. If you can volunteer veterinary services please submit your office information. The USEF is posting a listing by state of these safe havens for horses and ponies on our website. The list can be accessed by going to www.usef.org. On the right side of the home page click on Hurricane Katrina Equine Relief. This will serve as a master list to help horse owners in Katrina's path find help and shelter. Other equine organizations wishing to assist the effort and link to the list should also e-mail kcadams@usef.org.

We urge the participation of anyone who has the space, veterinary expertise and tenderness of heart to help these equine refugees.

A news release on the USEF Web site dated Thursday, September 1st, states that the response of horsemen from around the country has been, "overwhelming." The USEF is still compiling a master list of safe havens on farms and ranches, but they are asking that you contact them only by e-mail, and only from the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Arkansas.

Mr. Duchossois said Friday that Aiken area horse facilities my contact him directly by calling (803) 642-2533, and he will coordinate local offers with the Federation, or e-mail your offer of refuge directly to kcadams@usef.org.

"If you have been watching this terrible disaster unfold and wondered what you could possibly do to help, this may be it," Duchossois said. "Surely the hundreds of barns and pastures around Aiken are an ideal refuge for what are surely thousands of animals in peril."



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