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Title: "Problems worthy of attack prove their worth by fighting back

There was a large animal rescue effort after Hurricane Andrew leveled Homestead Florida. Andrew was the 3rd strongest category 5 hurricane to hit the US mainland in the 20th century. There is no wind measurement of Andrew's peak winds when it hit the Florida coast since all the measurement instruments were destroyed by Andrew. However, an anemometer at Turkey Point Nuclear Power Generating Station measured the wind at 145 mph before it failed. As a contrast Katrina was a category 3 when it  hit New Orleans and Ike was a category 4 when it hit Texas. 1500 national guardsmen were dispatched to prevent looting. It took several days to get rescue people in and set up the facilities to help people. In fact the army sent in psychological operations personnel to support in the aftermath of Andrew - one of the few times psyops has been approved for used in the US.

People's horses and pets were spread all over fending for themselves. The race tracks in Miami and any other facility that could be used were set up to take in horses, treat them and try to identify them to their owners. Not only did people donate to the effort to help the people, they donated to help the animals. Many people hauled tons of hay down since there was nothing to eat for the animals. In fact the military helped in the animal rescue after Andrew.

Here is an interesting history on the efforts after Andrew including helping rescue animals. http://www.psywarrior.com/PSYOPHurricaneAndrew.html

We learned a lot from Andrew. We learned that if something happens rescue personnel need to be able to identify our horses and dogs. Microchips are a wonderful thing. We also learned that we need to be able to prove the identity of our animals. Microchips are a wonderful thing as are pictures and other documentation.

Clearly in Haiti the people have to come first but as the people and supplies get in for the people, then we do need to place some attention to the animals and even the wildlife.

Truman



Karen Everhart wrote:

Please note that the AMVA and others have joined forces to help with the relief process which WILL include livestock management and replenishment AND the issues surrounding the domestic animals which are at large, injured and also hungry from this devastation.

 

I think it VERY noble that people what to direct funds to support the efforts of those who would help the horses.  Of course, as a rescuer in the US, where no wide-spread tragedy like this has occurred in..............perhaps forever........my 'work' is often considered a waste of resources, too!!

 

 

Karen Everhart MEd
Co-founder and Executive Director
Rainbow Meadows Rescue and Retirement, Inc.
Serving the equine companions who have so loyally served us...
www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com
620-725-3402

 

Owner/Operator Horse Calls - Equine Management Solutions
Centered Riding Instructor
Distance Horse Conditioning and Training
www.horsecalls.com
316-648

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"Problems worthy of attack prove their worth by fighting back."  - Paul Erdos