HSUS still planning to turn reigns over to LASPCA

This is an update from Laura.

We still have not gotten final details on what's happening with deployment of rescuers at Lamar Dixon who have been working under the umbrella of the HSUS.

What we know:

*our on the ground rescuer went out with a full list of homes with animals in them. They are going to work as long as they can today. They were told yesterday that they will be given suggestions as to where else they can help after today.

*the HSUS in DC says that the LASPCA is still working on setting up a shelter in Algiers, closing to New Orleans. They said that this org. will continue rescue operations and will work in this transition with the HSUS.

*the shelter at Lamar Dixon still has a close date of Oct 15. Please urge people to go get their animals asap. If not, they may end up being sent out of state in a foster situation with rescue groups and it will be a much bigger endeavor to retrieve their pets.

*Many parts of the city are being let in. These people need to go and check on their animals ASAP. They should bring lots of water, dog and cat food so they can HELP THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD PETs stay alive until the owners get home. If they know their neighbor's have pets, get into those houses somehow, to feed and water the pets if still alive or take away with them if they leave. Unfortunately, many will be finding dead pets.

*Rescue operations will most certainly suffer at some level while a transition is occurring. It took 3 weeks to get the system down and working smoothly by the HSUS as the umbrella. It became a pretty well oiled machine, in my opinion. Any transition is going to slow down operations or cause information, addresses etc...to fall between the cracks. It's human nature and therefore, inevitable.

*where should search and rescue volunteers who were planning to volunteer this weekend go to? The HSUS hasn't made a statement, but from all the info that's out there, there are still many groups continuing their operations uninterrupted and will welcome help at all levels.

* www.pasadosafehaven.org * www.bestfriends.org * www.humanela.org * www.muttshack.org

*Shelter volunteers will continue to be needed over the next few weeks for feeding, watering, walking and eventual clean up.

*Animals are being transferred daily to other locations including shelters, non profit no kill groups and a couple prisons.

WHAT WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO CONFIRM YET:

*will rescue operations slow down? (I know it's gray because the DC people suggested we would find out more if we can reach our friends on the ground in Lamar Dixon. Note: unfortunately, these people do not yet know either)

*who will make sure that groups continue to go out tomorrow with the most current list of addresses for animals still needing rescue and feeding that must occur.