In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many horses in the New Orleans area are currently in need of relief and evacuation. The human response to this need has been overwhelming, and the ability to effectively approach the situation is increasing in strength by the minute.
 
Due to the incredible number of difficulties presented as a result of the flooding and storm damage in New Orleans, equine rescue has yet to occur on a large scale but is expected to begin as early as Saturday morning. Accessibility is largely restricted at this point, due to downed power lines and high water levels throughout the city.

While the green light for full horse rescue operations has yet to be granted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), many organizations and individuals that represent the equine industry in Louisiana and the surrounding region are preparing for the rescue approach in hopes of the best outcome possible.

“Currently VMAT teams are on the ground working in cooperation with FEMA and the USDA,” said Dr. Rustin Moore, Director of the LSU Equine Clinic in Baton Rouge. The teams will assess the situation and will then coordinate all of the necessary information to the USDA, FEMA and to Dr. Martha Littlefield, the Louisiana Assistant State Veterinarian. “When authorities are ready to utilize the resources that are in place, we can then start to see horses being brought out, stabilized and placed in a location where owners can identify and claim them,” said Dr. Moore.

USDA officials successfully facilitated access of teams to Kenner, La., on Thursday and recovered approximately 63 head of horses from two separate boarding facilities. These horses were brought to the first staging area for displaced horses at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La., north of New Orleans. The horses were evaluated; treated; and provided shelter, feed and water by numerous volunteers, all of which were under the supervision of Dr. Dennis French, one of the LSU Equine Clinic staff veterinarians