Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles’ (spcaLA) Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) deployed to Texas Saturday to assist with the disaster response efforts for Hurricane Harvey.
Early Sunday morning, DART members immediately began preparing and providing care for post-surgery animals at the Houston SPCA. They anticipated receiving an additional 300 animals in that recovery ward today.
spcaLA has a long partnership with Houston SPCA with whom they worked closely during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. spcaLA Humane Officer and DART leader, Corporal Gary Wilson says, “spcaLA is here to help, and we’ll do that by taking on whatever task Houston SPCA needs. Our experience and training is wide-ranging, and we also understand how much support an operation like this will need to sustain.”
It is apparent that the effects of Harvey are devastating, and recovery efforts will last for months to come. spcaLA intends to send teams of DART members to Houston, in rotation, to prevent fatigue and also ensure that members are available in Los Angeles. DART remains on stand-by for the La Tuna Fire.
DART caring for pets affected by Hurricane Harvey
“We are so thankful to spcaLA donors,” said spcaLA President, “It is their support that provides the vehicles, equipment, supplies, training, and staffing necessary to maintain spcaLA’s elite response team.”
To report an animal in danger in the Houston area, contact the Houston SPCA’s emergency line at 713-861-3010. They are urging the public to only use the emergency line for animals in urgent need. All other inquiries, please call 713-869-7722.
To donate to spcaLA’s Hurricane Harvey and other disaster response efforts, please visit spcaLA.com.