Horse Groups Mobilizing Hurricane Relief Effort

Edited press releases
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, horse industry groups are mobilizing to provide assistance to people and horses impacted by the devastating storm and are seeking financial support for the efforts.

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is soliciting donations of money, materials and housing accommodations for horsemen in the Louisiana area that have been left homeless by the hurricane.

The National Horse Protection Coalition, along with Texas based Habitat for Horses and the Louisiana Equine Council have joined forces to assemble and deliver much needed relief for the animal victims of hurricane Katrina.

The NHPC has secured a donated tractor-trailer that organizers hope will be filled with hay, feed and veterinary supplies for horses and other livestock who have been displaced by the hurricane.

"We are hopeful that our efforts will not only reduce animal suffering, but will also help to reduce any further financial and emotional loss to those affected," said Gail Vacca the Illinois coordinator for the NHPC.

The NHPC is currently seeking donations of hay, straw, horse feed, livestock feed, and veterinary medical supplies which are being gathered in DeKalb, Illinois to be transported to animal welfare organizations who are already set up in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The loaded truck is scheduled to deliver the supplies in Louisiana as early as Sunday, Vacca said.

"Many of these animals are injured and hungry and in order to ward off any further loss of animal life in the aftermath of this tragedy, we are doing everything we can to get these supplies down to the hardest hit areas as soon as possible," Vacca said.

While Vacca's group is seeking donations of hay, straw, feed, and veterinary medical supplies from those in the DeKalb, Illinois area, others can make financial contributions are also needed and can made online at horseprotection.org or can be mailed to: National Horse Protection Coalition, 16217 State Route 23 , DeKalb, IL 60115