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Animal disaster relief fund awarded grant
JACKSON, Miss. -- The Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund (MADRF) received a grant from the nonprofit organization GreaterGood.org.
The MADRF was established during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. As the number of displaced or injured pets and livestock increased after the disaster, the relief fund was established to help pay for the animals’ care. The fund later became a permanent resource to help animals affected by natural disasters.
In the aftermath of Katrina, the response team included Mississippi State University veterinarians specially trained to work with animals in disaster situations. They worked with Mississippi Board of Animal Health veterinarians and volunteers at the state’s designated animal disaster relief shelter in Hattiesburg. This joint Mississippi Animal Response Team was tasked with assessing and managing the growing number of sheltered animals.
The MADRF provided money to help fund supplies, boarding costs and medical care for animals injured in the storm. It became a permanent account in 2006 and continues to meet the needs of Mississippians and their animals affected by floods, droughts, tornadoes and other natural disasters.
Dr. Carla Huston, associate professor with the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Jim Watson, Mississippi’s state veterinarian, co-chair the fund. They rely on donations and grants to continue assisting with animal care after natural disasters.
Based in Tucson, Arizona, GreaterGood.org provides support to organizations seeking to improve quality of life for people and pets.
“The MDARF is necessary, and we are grateful for the kind support from GreaterGood.org,” Huston said. “Our primary goal is to help local communities protect animal health and welfare in the event of a disaster. Monetary support makes this possible. It means we can purchase needed medical supplies, provide shelter and help families provide food to their pets and livestock.”
Huston said the funds also can be awarded to stockpile supplies, train emergency responders, support local veterinary business continuity, prepare for animal care and sheltering, and provide for emergency hay and feed needs.
For more information on MADRF, details about how to make donations, and instructions on how to apply for funds, visit http://bit.ly/1Hb0mJW.
Contact: Karen Templeton, 662-325-1100
