Society dispatches rapid response team

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- On Sunday, March 23, 2008, the Humane Society of Missouri dispatched its rapid response team, including its mobile shelter, to Caruthersville to aid in the rescue of animals trapped or displaced from recent flooding.

The Humane Society of Missouri has made several trips to the Bootheel area over the past couple of months, most for the removal and rescue of neglected or abused animals, but this time it arrives under very different circumstances.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri, it has been coordinating animal rescue and sheltering efforts in Southeastern Missouri. At the request of the Caruthersville Humane Society, the Humane Society of Missouri has successfully rescued 37 dogs and 11 cats that have been displaced.

Most of the animals are pets that have been surrendered by their owners as a result of the emergency situation, according to the society.

After being rescued, the dogs were unloaded from the Humane Society of Missouri's mobile shelter and were evaluated by the veterinary medical staff Monday morning.

"We are very fortunate that the Humane Society of Missouri has the resources available to offer our assistance to community animal shelters affected by the flooding," Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri said. "By accepting these animals we're providing them with a second chance in St. Louis and helping the Caruthersville shelter to continue to provide emergency relief to pet owners in their community."

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has named the Humane Society of Missouri as the lead agency to assist with animal related emergency relief.

The Humane Society of Missouri has requested the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States and a Colorado animal organization, Code Three Associates, which specializes in water rescue emergencies. The ASPCA is providing additional staffing at the Humane Society in Caruthersville.

Gov. Matt Blunt commended the Humane Society of Missouri and the other animal service organizations assisting pet owners displaced by the flooding care for their pets.

The Humane Society of Missouri says it will continue to monitor the rising waters of the Mississippi and when necessary, return to the area for further assistance.