The following is a report from the Larmar Dixon Expo Center in Louisiana.

The horse rescue and relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina are still ongoing and have been a resounding success. A total of 381 animals (approximately 15 goats, two pot bellied pigs, and the balance of horses/mules) have been processed by the Horse Unit staged at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La. There have been a total of 163 horses/mules returned to their owners, most identified by microchips implanted or lip tattoos. There are currently 218 horses being housed at Lamar Dixon under the supervision of coordinator Bonnie Clark, president of the Louisiana Equine Council, and staffed by numerous volunteers, including attending veterinarian Dennis French, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Equine Clinic, numerous veterinary school students, out-of-state and out of area veterinarians, local horse/farm owners, and many out-of-state volunteers.

Numerous teams of rescuers risked their lives to access the often dangerous areas affected and remove the horses from harm. Of great assistance were the veterinarians from the Equine Clinic of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, USDA, the Habitat for Horses group based out of Texas, local farm owners, and out-of-state volunteers. Of the 218 horses in-house, 109 have been identified by owners and will be seeking temporary pasture/barn space, mainly within the state of Louisiana or nearby states.

Those willing to donate pasture/barn space can contact Clark at 562/708-9601. Those wishing to donate monetarily should make checks payable to: LVMA Equine Committee Foundation, subject: Horse Hurricane Relief. Mail the checks to Dr. Sonny Corley, LVMA Equine Committee Foundation, 121 E. Gloria Switch, Lafayette, LA 70507