Disaster Relief for Animals to be a Joint Effort

by Sherry Morse and Sarah Wahlert

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding calling for the two organizations to coordinate their disaster preparedness and response efforts.

The Memorandum states that the APHIS will assist HSUS Disaster Animal Response Teams, which not only provide direct relief, but support efforts of local organizations, by arranging access to disaster areas whenever possible and coordinating with individuals working in state offices of the Department of Agriculture.

The agreement also states that the APHIS and HSUS will work together to educate individuals about animal-related aspects of disaster preparedness by jointly distributing information, sponsoring conferences and conducting training exercises.

"Animals are often the forgotten victims in disaster situations," said APHIS Animal Care program Deputy Administrator Dr. Chester Gipson. "(The APHIS) seeks to minimize their suffering and provide the necessary response as quickly as possible."

"Actions to protect animals before, during and after a disaster must be carefully planned to minimize needless suffering and distress," said HSUS Director of Disaster Services Anne Culver. "This agreement helps strengthen our relationship with the APHIS both in helping communities prepare for a disaster and in responding with animal care expertise when a disaster does occur."

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.