Sherman the snow-dog. Photo courtesy Animal Haven.
——————————

This week’s featured adoptable is a tank. Errr, Yeti. Errr, Abominable Snowman. Retriever Mix? All of the above?

Whichever breed/species Sherman hails from, one thing is certain: he’s five stones+ of pure bliss. Or is that boulders? Meh, who cares. He’s a big hunk of adorable, and that’s all you need to know!

Here’s what the good folks at Animal Haven to say about ol’ Sherman:

Sherman is a BIG boy (he may have been named after the tank!). He is a happy-go-lucky fellow who loves to meet new people. His needs are simple: food & water, a nice cozy bed, an outdoor spot to potty, and a family who loves him. He does well with dogs and cats, as long as he has a chance to get to know them. His favorite toy is a chew bone, so be sure to have plenty of those handy. This guy is house trained and will do great with just about any family (though any kids in the house should be at least 8 years old). Sherman is ready to move into his new lifelong caring home, so come meet him today!

To get in touch with Sherman’s temporary guardians, visit his Petfinder listing or go straight to Animal Haven’s website.
 
 

One of many stray/feral Haitian dogs.
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By the way, I’ve been wanting to say a little something about the recent earthquake in Haiti, but…words escape me. Really, there’s not much to say. Instead, I encourage you to give what you can to help the millions of people who have seen their homes destroyed, their families torn apart, and their lives uprooted by this natural disaster (which was/is being exacerbated by centuries of oppression and exploitation resulting in crippling poverty).

For a list of nonprofit organizations providing assistance in Haiti, see:

CNN: Impact Your World

Haiti Earthquake Relief: How You Can Help at the Huffington Post

Charity Navigator: Help Survivors of the Earthquake in Haiti

InterAction: InterAction Members Respond to the Earthquake in Haiti

Also, Kansas City @ About.com has an ongoing list of local events, activities and fundraisers to assist with the relief efforts in Haiti.

Finally, the many nonhuman inhabitants of Haiti and the Dominican Republic will need aid in the upcoming weeks, months and years as well. While not much has yet been written of anticipated future animal rescue efforts, you can find an excellent summery here. A number of animal welfare groups have joined together to form the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). Spearheaded by The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), at the time of this writing, the following animal advocacy groups have joined ARCH: American Humane Association (AHA), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Best Friends Animal Society, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Humane Society International (HSI), In Defense of Animals (IDA), Kinship Circle, and the United Animal Nations (UAN).

Of course, I encourage you to research any and all organizations before making a donation; check that is legit, will use your money wisely, and is consistent with your beliefs. A few good resources in this regard are Charity Navigator, the American Institute of Philanthropy, and the Better Business Bureau. Be wary of email and telephone solicitations.

Thanks much – and stay shiny, people.

———————–

Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of abused, neglected and/or homeless non-human animals in the Kansas City (and surrounding) area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal companion.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry, feathered or scaled friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables (complete with adoption updates!).

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal nonhuman companion furkid animal haven sherman dog canine mission haiti animal rescue disaster relief volunteer donate

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
Communicating during disasters to mobilize volunteers, supplies, and other resources for animal victims. www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

7/12/08: Next Steps: Volunteer In Future Disasters
Over the summer, Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network is updating its volunteer database to keep your skills and experience on file — in the event we are recruited to directly deploy responders in future disasters. (We do NOT automatically send volunteers to every disaster).

=======================

1. Please Fill Out Attached Volunteer Form!

=======================

Your filled-out form will help us contact and send volunteers more efficiently in future disasters.

1. FILL OUT THE ATTACHED FORM:

www.kcfreecycle.org/images/KCDisasterAid_VolunteerForm.doc

2. EMAIL IT BACK TO: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net

3. TYPE IN SUBJECT LINE: KC ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK

(If you do not type this in subject line, your form may be overlooked).

If you are reading this message as a cross-post, not directly from Kinship Circle:

1. You must subscribe to Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Network email list.
2. You may subscribe when sending back your completed form.
3. In your email, type: SUBSCRIBE to KC Animal Disaster Aid Network

NOTE: KC Animal Disaster Aid Network will always remain a news service for anyone interested in animal disaster victims, but not hands-on volunteering.

=======================

2. Next Steps: Kinship Circle Disaster Aid Network

=======================

As most on this list know, in early June Iowa EOC/State Veterinary Response recruited Kinship Circle to coordinate volunteers for Iowa flood victims. We learned a lot during our work alongside other national disaster response groups in the area… Our experience with state officials and county coordinators at Johnson County Fairgrounds and Lee County Fairgrounds was so successful — we wish to gratefully acknowledge those volunteers who brought their experience, professionalism and devotion to animals in need.

Kinship Circle’s disaster aid network continues to grow since its origins during Hurricane Katrina…

* We’re a list of INDEPENDENT VOLUNTEERS, each responsible for obtaining his/her training and certification in animal disaster aid response.

* We’ll continue to provide NEWSLETTERS to update you on animal victims in disasters and give you the means to donate money or supplies. Please note: Until our volunteer staff expands, we can’t research every disaster (although we wish we could!)

* We are currently forming an ADVISORY BOARD to enhance our disaster outreach, when/where needed. A solid volunteer database will enable this network to have a stronger presence in future disasters.

=======================

KINSHIP CIRCLE OFF-LINE FROM JULY 17 – JULY 22

=======================

KINSHIP CIRCLE WILL BE OFF-LINE: JULY 17 to JULY 22, 2008

Brenda Shoss and board member Bridget Soeder will present and exhibit at the Taking Action For Animals (TAFA) conference in Washington, DC.

Our workshop, “Internet Activism & The Power Of Words” is on Sunday, 7/20/08, from 2:45 to 3:45pm

The TAFA conference is held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. Tickets are still available. Read more about Taking Action For Animals — from July 19-21: www.takingactionforanimals.org

***************************

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network was enlisted by Iowa EOC/State Veterinary Response to coordinate volunteers for animal flood victims… We have yet to recover huge communications costs. Any donations are greatly appreciated at this time. Kinship Circle is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

DONATE ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

DONATE BY MAIL: Kinship Circle
7380 Kingsbury Blvd.; St. Louis, MO 63130

“Kinship Circle is a wonderful animal welfare/disaster/rescue alert organization. They are a small but dedicated operation.” Nancy Dieterle, Kinship Circle volunteer at Johnson County Fairgrounds, in Iowa City and Lee County Fairgrounds, in Donnellson, Iowa.

***************************

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

———————

Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss natural disaster disaster relief disaster preparedness animal rescue pet companion animal dog canine cat feline livestock volunteer

I know that we recently reached out to you for help, but we are still in urgent need of funding to continue the mission to save pigs from the Midwest flood disaster.

This emergency rescue is historic, both in its mission and scope, and is expected to be one of the most expensive rescue operations Farm Sanctuary has ever undertaken. But we couldn’t turn our backs on farm animals in need; we couldn’t leave any pigs behind.

Farm Sanctuary’s emergency rescue team is continuing to work day and night on the ground in Iowa to save the pigs. The urgency of the situation is only growing, as we have now rescued 69 pigs, most of whom are in very poor condition and a number of whom are pregnant.

We need your help right now to provide emergency onsite care to the pigs and transport them out of the disaster zone, as we have secured all survivors on the Iowa levee. Given the condition, number and size of these animals, this endeavor is massive.

Right now, Farm Sanctuary’s National Shelter Director Susie Coston is onsite in Iowa providing triage care at a temporary holding facility. Here, the pigs are receiving care for third degree burns and treatment for abscesses and wounds.

We urgently need your additional gift this week for:

* Emergency onsite care and security
* A hired veterinarian, medical supplies, electrolytes, antibiotics
* Fans, hoses, kennels, fencing, shovels, rakes
* Temporary housing fees
* A series of large animal transport trailer trips from the disaster zone to our New York Shelter

Many of the farms hit by floodwaters were factory farms where breeding sows, normally confined to gestation crates, are continually impregnated to produce piglets for the pork industry. This means that a number of female pigs we have rescued are in late-term pregnancy and will soon be giving birth to babies, adding significantly to our total number of rescued pigs and making this huge-scale rescue even more challenging.

We need your additional gift today to continue this mission and bring these pigs to sanctuary, where they will be given the vital care they need to recover. Please help the pigs now with a special gift: secure2.vegsource.com/farmsanc/fs/donate_erf_pigs08_alert.html

Many of these pigs once faced a lifetime of confinement in a dark factory building, only to be brutally slaughtered for pork. Today,
they have a chance to live.

Please, help care for and transport the pigs to safety with a donation now.

Yours for the pigs,
Gene Baur
President & Co-founder

Click the link below to view this message as HTML in your browser: action.farmsanctuary.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=3781.0

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Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts farm sanctuary natural disaster flood floods flooding midwest iowa missouri indiana animal rescue livestock farm animals farmed animals pigs adopt volunteer donate news in the news flickr photos

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / MIDWEST FLOODS OF 2008

7/3/08: Images From A Flood + Rescued Pigs Need Homes
As rescue and emergency sheltering operations head toward maintenance, we share a last glimpse of the flood that covered over 80% of Iowa…and some of the animals who survived.

Photo courtesy of Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society.

www.bestfriends.org

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Iowa Floods: Pigs, Pups & Kittens
2. Red Rover, Red Rover…Send Piggy Right Over!
3. Homes Urgently Needed For Rescued Pigs
4. Tessa’s Reunion

====================

1. Pigs, Pups & Kittens

====================

THE WEEK OF JUNE 14, 2008:

Kinship Circle begins discussions with Iowa EOC/State Veterinary Response Coordinator. We are asked to coordinate volunteers in areas other than Cedar Rapids, as HSUS and UAN/EARS are already there. We contact Best Friends Rapid Response Team and ask Iowa officials to enlist them for water rescue. Iowa EOC (Emergency Operations Center) requests a certified water rescue team for “use in search and rescue operations in Louisa, Des Moines, Lee, Johnson or Linn counties as needed.”

Within days, rescue operations are underway — with Kinship Circle emergency sheltering volunteers at Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City, and Lee County Fairgrounds in Donnellson, Iowa.

FROM CHERI DEATSCH, KINSHIP CIRCLE VOLUNTEER:

Lee County Fairgrounds staging area, Donnellson, Iowa: The cats and dogs who come to Lee County are in very good condition or very poor condition. A cat brought in as one of the last rescues is covered in some sort of oily goop that mattes her entire coat from the shoulders down. Despite her terror, she’s ravenous, eating an entire can of wet food once safe in a cage.

The dogs (LEFT PHOTO) are Buddy and Stranger, lying down. Both are surrendered by an owner whose rural property was overrun by the flood waters. Both have terrible fleas, and mange. Stranger’s mange is so bad it caused him to lose most of the hair on the back half of his body. Many animals, such as a beagle (RIGHT PHOTO) are dehydrated and malnourished, but generally happy to be safe and back in a pack! (right photo: David Halperin, Kinship Circle volunteer)

FROM ROBYN URMAN, KINSHIP CIRCLE VOLUNTEER:

LEFT: Chewy is saved and reunited with his family. RIGHT: A rescued cat awaits transport to a flood shelter. Photos: Robyn Urman, Kinship Circle

6/23/08: FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE’S DAILY CONFERENCE CALLS WITH IOWA EOC:

Iowa officials report that over 10,000 acres of land has been underwater. Thousands of evacuated residents seek ways to put their lives back together. Some Oakville, IA residents go to Lee County Fairgrounds to report addresses where cats (mostly) were left during evacuations. As water levels recede, navigation by boat is treacherous. Rescue attempts move slowly. Most left-behind cats are frightened and hide by day. In accordance, rescue teams make preparations to do night search rescues…

LEFT: Kinship Circle volunteers Bob Rude and Cheri Deatsch make food drops for stranded animals in Oakville, Iowa. RIGHT: A cat with her food. Photos courtesy of Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society.

====================

2. Red Rover, Red Rover…Send Piggy Right Over!

====================

IN THE MEANTIME, PIGS ARE EVERYWHERE…

They’re adrift from flooded hog farms, some still encased in crates. While 40,000 pigs were pre-evacuated, some 4,000 die. Pigs who scramble atop levees are shot dead by officials concerned they’ll ruin sandbags. Many more drown. Early in this operation, Kinship Circle called Farm Sanctuary to ask if their Emergency Rescue Team could come to Iowa. KC volunteers assist Farm Sanctuary in initial rescues. A coalition of Farm Sanctuary, International Fund for Animal Welfare, American Humane Association, and Animal Rescue League of Boston continue to recover pigs from levee systems…

KINSHIP CIRCLE VOLS ASSIST FARM SANCTUARY IN PIG RESCUE

BOB RUDE, 6/24/08: We arrive in Oakville around 7:00 am. We check out the area and notice a couple pigs. Farm Sanctuary is there and tells us they spent the night trying to catch pigs. They managed to get three by herding them to their trailer, but had no luck after. In the meantime Dan (Farm Sanctuary) and I hear a couple pigs in the underbrush. We devise a plan and then work at catching the 2 pigs. We manage to catch 1 on that attempt…

CHERI DEATSCH, 6/24/08: First, we (Dan and Chuck from Farm Sanctuary with Bob Rude, David Halperin, and I from Kinship Circle) begin herding both pigs, who had been lying together in the forested ravine. We use red pig boards to herd them into a makeshift corral… Once in the corral, the pigs run full speed at the fencing — held up only by the five of us… It reminded me of the childhood game Red Rover, where you run at full speed and try to bust through the arms of the other kids holding hands. “Red rover, red rover, send piggy right over!”

CHERI DEATSCH: The foreground shows Ethan (Best Friends) trying to catchpole the pig, and me to the right behind the “pig board.” In the background is Dan from Farm Sanctuary. It really captures the essence of the chase… It also shows how big that pig really was. He didn’t seem that big at the time! Photo courtesy of Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society.

The pigs are so frantic…one manages to escape. We loop a catchpole around the other’s neck. Bob, Chuck and Dan hold the pig on the ground while Dave and I run for the largest dog carrier we can find…

The most amazing thing: The pig who escaped refuses to leave his friend and waits nearby as we load the pig into the carrier. This pig trots behind us down the length of the levee. Then, when we turn our attention to his capture, he runs off. But, he comes back! About an hour or two later, we find him standing outside the trailer where his friend is! I can’t believe his loyalty and attachment. It makes me determined to rescue him, not only to prevent him from a horrible fate, but to reunite him with this other pig to whom he is so obviously attached.

CHERI: Pigs are so exhausted after their ordeal — without food, water, and shelter for days — that once in the trailer, they immediately lay on top of each other (like they need comfort) despite ample room to spread out.

LEFT: Newly-rescued pig with badly sunburned ears. RIGHT: Coalition member comforts pig newly-arrived at the staging area. Photos courtesy of Farm Sanctuary, farmsanctuary.org/actionalerts/alert_erf_appeal08.html

CHERI DEATSCH 6/25/07: The next day we travel to the Wappello holding area to feed them. They are still so exhausted they won’t even get up when I enter the pen. Again, they’re lying on top of each other sleeping peacefully. They seem so relieved, relaxed and happy to be full and out of the sun. All of them have sunburn so bad their ears are cracked and bleeding. Farm Sanctuary people put aloe vera gel on their sunburn…

DAVID HALPERIN: When Cheri’s cell phone rings, it plays a classical melody. Momma pig’s (above) ears and head shoot right up. It’s clear she’s never heard such music…and really enjoys it. LEFT: Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society. RIGHT: Cheri Deatsch, with Momma

Once I feed them, they actually become playful. Momma pig, who weighs at least 300 lbs, begins tipping over the water… I can’t figure out what she is doing and get nervous because she’s a bit rambunctious. I soon learn it is because she’s making mud in the pen to lie in. So smart! (KINSHIP CIRCLE: Take a pig out of her factory-farm confinement crate. Give her straw, shade, mud…and soon she returns to her natural self: A genuine pig!)

====================

3. Homes Urgently Needed For Rescued Pigs

====================

All photos in section #3 courtesy of Farm Sanctuary, farmsanctuary.org/actionalerts/alert_erf_appeal08.html

FARM SANCTUARY NEEDS ADOPTIVE HOMES FOR PIGS FROM MIDWEST FLOOD DISASTER:

7/2/08: Farm Sanctuary’s emergency rescue team is currently on the ground in Oakville, Iowa saving pigs stranded in the Mississippi River floods and providing them with emergency care and temporary shelter… We now have 28 pigs in our custody. Many are in critical condition (suffering from injuries, pneumonia, third degree sunburns) and are receiving urgent care.

We continue to find more and more pigs still alive, surviving against all odds in fields, on levees, anywhere they can find refuge. After this tremendous demonstration of their will to live…they deserve peace and comfort in their lives. PLEASE HELP by providing an adoptive home for as many pigs as you can.

Many of the rescued pigs swam for their lives to escape deadly flood waters. They were stranded without food or water, injured, sick, frightened, and confused. These pigs need you to give them hope for the future and keep them safe from harm forever.

ADOPT A PIG INTO YOUR HOME TODAY!

* Contact our Farm Animal Adoption Network: 607-583-2225 ext. 223,
* Or email shelter [at] farmsanctuary.org
* Or visit us online at www.farmsanctuary.org/rescue/adoption.html
* You can also learn more about pig care at www.farmsanctuary.org/rescue/care.html

EMERGENCY RESCUE FUND DONATIONS STILL NEEDED

secure2.vegsource.com/farmsanc/fs/donate_erf_pigs08_alert.html

If you are unable to open your home to animals in need, please consider donating now to our Emergency Rescue Fund, already hard at work funding this critical rescue operation and providing aid to pigs and other farm animals.

====================

4. Tessa’s Reunion

====================

6/26/08: AN IOWA REUNION, BY BOB RUDE
From ruderanch [at] comcast.net — Bob Rude, Executive Director of Rude Ranch Animal Rescue, based in Harwood, MD spent a week in Lee County Iowa, working through Kinship Circle to rescue and aid the animal victims of the Midwest flooding. As he was preparing to pack up to head home on Thursday, a frantic call came in: A couple by the name of Tom Marterman and Jerri Shute were desperately trying to locate their 12 year old cat, Tessa.

Unfortunately, Tessa’s house was flooded and destroyed in Oakville. Tom and Jerri were part of the mandatory evacuation from Oakville before the flood waters hit. Tom and Jerri only had about 30 minutes to prepare to leave. They managed to get the three family dogs and their bird in the car, but Tessa got scared and ran off.

Her family ended up camping in a church parking lot while they are trying to figure out what to do. They also kept trying to find Tessa. Tom even went back into town himself in a canoe but couldn’t find her. Finally they called Lee County Fairgrounds and spoke to a volunteer from Animal Protection League of Southeast Iowa. They asked if an older cat with no tail and no teeth had come in… As luck would have it, she was there. Also luckily for Tessa, her family was along Bob’s route to get back to Maryland.

Bob met up with Tessa’s family in Louisa County. Both Tessa and her family were glad to see each other. Yesterday was Jerri’s birthday, and she said seeing Tessa alive and well was the best birthday present!

For further information, contact Kathy at 410-798-9559
Rude Ranch Animal Rescue, www.ruderanch.org

*************************

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network was enlisted to send volunteers for animal flood victims. DONATIONS are greatly appreciated at this time. Kinship Circle is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

DONATE ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

DONATE BY MAIL: Kinship Circle
7380 Kingsbury Blvd.; St. Louis, MO 63130

“Kinship Circle is a wonderful animal welfare/disaster aid organization. They are a small but dedicated operation.” Nancy Dieterle, Kinship Circle volunteer at Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City and Lee County Fairgrounds in Donnellson, Iowa.

*************************

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

——————————–

Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss natural disaster flood floods flooding iowa midwest indiana wisconsin cedar rapids disaster relief disaster response pet companion animal dog canine cat feline livestock horse cow bovine volunteer donate flickr photos news in the news farm sanctuary best friends best friends animal society foster farmed animals farm animals oakville molly ward bob rude robyn urman Cheri Deatsch

HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED FOR RESCUED PIGS – WE IMMEDIATELY NEED ADOPTIVE HOMES FOR PIGS IN ORDER TO SAVE AS MANY ANIMALS AS POSSIBLE FROM THE MIDWEST FLOOD DISASTER.

As we reported to you last week, Farm Sanctuary’s emergency rescue team is currently on the ground in Oakville, Iowa saving pigs stranded in the Mississippi River floods and providing them with emergency care and temporary shelter.

Thankfully, our efforts are proving successful as we now have 28 pigs in our custody. Many are in critical condition (suffering from injuries, pneumonia and third degree sunburns) and are receiving urgent care.

Now, as rescue efforts continue, we must quickly secure a large number of adoptive homes for pigs: www.farmsanctuary.org/rescue/adoption.html

We continue to find more and more pigs still alive, surviving against all odds in fields, on levees, anywhere they can find refuge. Pigs are extremely resourceful, intelligent animals they are fighters; they are survivors. After this tremendous demonstration of their will to live and all that they have endured, they deserve peace and comfort in their lives, as well as a chance to know that there is kindness in the world. PLEASE HELP by providing an adoptive home for as many pigs as you can.

Among those we have rescued is a brave, strong mother pig who gave birth to seven piglets within the past couple of days amidst the floods. She and her babies have survived the ordeal but this mother now needs a safe place to call home and nurture and raise her piglets.

Our need for homes is extremely urgent, as Farm Sanctuary already provides lifelong care to more than 50 pigs. We are continuing to rescue as many as we can, but our efforts can only continue with your participation in this extraordinary rescue.

Many of the rescued pigs swam for their lives to escape deadly flood waters. They were stranded without food or water, injured, sick, frightened, and confused. These pigs need you to give them hope for the future and keep them safe from harm forever.

ADOPT A PIG INTO YOUR HOME TODAY!

Contact our Farm Animal Adoption Network by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 223, e-mailing shelter [at] farmsanctuary.org or visiting us online at www.farmsanctuary.org/rescue/adoption.html

You can also learn more about pig care at www.farmsanctuary.org/rescue/care.html

EMERGENCY RESCUE FUND DONATIONS STILL NEEDED

If you are unable to open your home to animals in need, please consider helping by donating now to our Emergency Rescue Fund which is already hard at work funding this critical rescue operation and providing aid to pigs and other farm animals in need: secure2.vegsource.com/farmsanc/fs/donate_erf_pigs08_alert.html

PLEASE FORWARD AND DISTRIBUTE WIDELY. THANK YOU!

Click the link below to view this message as HTML in your browser: action.farmsanctuary.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=3541.0

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Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts farm sanctuary natural disaster flood floods flooding midwest iowa missouri indiana animal rescue livestock farm animals farmed animals pigs adopt volunteer donate news in the news flickr photos

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY
6/26/08: The Lucky Ones… Iowa Flood Pigs

Photos courtesy of Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society.

www.bestfriends.org

flickr.com/photos/mollywald/sets/72157605698148806/

When Kinship Circle began working with Iowa Dept. of Agriculture/Veterinary Response to coordinate volunteers for Iowa animal flood victims — we soon learned about the pig tragedy. Hog farms had filled with water, with pigs trapped in crates and others adrift over a wide swath of southeast Iowa. As many as 40,000 pigs were evacuated. An estimated 4,000 pigs died. Still others swam for their lives in rapid waters. Some managed to hoist their bodies atop levees, only to be shot dead by officials concerned they’d destroy sandbags. Residents and officials herded some on to barges, to ferry them back to owners. Many carcasses remain as waters recede.

But pigs are smart. And some escaped to dry ground. Reports came in daily: Pigs spotted by churches, in homes, near levees, on rooftops. Early during this operation, Kinship Circle called Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, to ask if their Emergency Rescue Team could come to Iowa. Within 24 hours, they were on the road from Watkins Glen, New York to Oakville, Iowa.

On conference call with state officials, we learned that pigs currently stranded, when found, could be taken to a temporary holding area… And once in Farm Sanctuary’s custody, receive immediate care and transport to sanctuary. That’s right: sanctuary.

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network volunteers have assisted Farm Sanctuary rescuers. See below, to donate to FS Emergency Rescue Fund.

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1. Iowa Pig Tails

=================

Exhausted from their ordeal, dry pigs finally rest… Bob Rude, of Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network, comforts some of the pigs he, David Halperin, and Cheri Deatsch helped Farm Sanctuary rescue from flooded areas in Oakville, Iowa. Photo credit: Cheri Deatsch, Kinship Circle

6/24/08: Farm Sanctuary catches three scared and weary pigs the evening of 6/23. The next morning Kinship Circle volunteers help Farm Sanctuary rescuers lure a spooked pig from the bushes. They manage to ease him out, but the pig isn’t happy about going into an enclosure. After a bit of thrashing and some apparent pig indigestion, rescuers guide him into Farm Sanctuary’s straw-lined trailer. One pig is so relieved to finally find comfort, he burrows beneath the straw for a long nap…

A fifth pig plays “hard to get,” leading rescuers on a panicked chase through the woods before guided to safety inside Farm Sanctuary’s trailer.

6/24/08: Aerial surveillance of flooded Iowa regions shows live pigs still stranded on 16 different levee systems. Also spotted on levees: deer, pheasants, coyotes, fox… Pigs begin to show signs of severe sunburn.

6/25/08: Data and mapping for pig locations is sent to Farm Sanctuary and IFAW, also working in Iowa with FS. Many county and state agencies must provide clearance in order for rescuers to get on levees…

Pigs escaped from a flooded Iowa farm and made it to a levee. But they were shot and killed by authorities who said they threatened to weaken the barrier. [Source.]

=================

2. Help Farm Sanctuary’s Emergency Rescue Fund

=================

STRANDED PIGS NEED URGENT HELP:

Flood waters have ravaged the Midwest, and farm animals need immediate rescue! The recent flooding has hit largely agricultural areas, leaving pigs, cattle and other animals stranded.

Hundreds of factory farm pigs have been left trapped and drowning in crates, or freed only to be swept away by rapid currents…trying desperately to survive on area levees.

Farm Sanctuary dispatched a rescue team with our large animal rescue trailer last week and we are currently on the ground in Iowa and Illinois to save drowning and stranded pigs.

Farm Sanctuary is working with other organizations to transport surviving pigs to a temporary holding area, and once pigs are in our custody, Farm Sanctuary will be ensuring their immediate care and transport to sanctuary.

DONATE TO FARM SANCTUARY EMERGENCY RESCUE FUND TO SAVE STRANDED PIGS:

HOMES NEEDED:

Farm Sanctuary is also in urgent need of adoptive homes for rescued pigs. If you are able to provide a loving home to a brave survivor of the Midwest Flood Disaster, please call 607-583-2225 ext. 223.

=================

3. Pig Press

=================

IOWA FLOOD PIGS IN THE NEWS:

Days in the Midwest rescuing pets, farm animals

Mr. Rude, who along with his wife, Kathy, runs Rude Ranch Animal Rescue, a small animal welfare outfit in south county, got the call June 16 from Kinship Circle, a national network of animal disaster responders, to head to Iowa to provide assistance to animals displaced by massive Midwest flooding… Working with other rescue volunteers, Mr. Rude has spent the past four days rescuing cats, dogs, pets and farm animals. One of the hairiest rescues was of a pig. “He was a challenge. Pigs don’t like being told what to do. A lot of strength and gumption, but we got it done…”

Concerns leveled over polluted floodwaters in Midwest

More carcasses may be found as hog barns dry out… “We can deal with as many (carcasses) as we have. We can bury thousands, if necessary.”

Iowa Floods Wreak Havoc on Farming Communities

One of our trips — I think it was our first trip out this morning, about 5:30 — we saw, as we were driving by, we saw the pigs, the little pink dots, all along this one barn over here. So we swung in there and, sure enough, it was just loaded with probably close to 250 to 300 pigs. After five days in the water, hundreds of pigs were dead, but others had managed to survive. The difficult, dirty and dangerous job of getting the pigs out of the highly contaminated river water began. Richard Crook, Best Friends

Iowa farmer makes a sorrowful choice

The 450 abandoned sows and 400 hogs were still alive. In hopes some might survive, Lanz opened the shed doors, giving the animals a chance of swimming to safety — despite the treacherous currents and the general unfitness of swine for swimming. When Lanz visited a patch of high ground Monday, he found roughly 30 pigs had survived.

Pigs perish on submerged farmland

With dry land miles away, a hog swims in circles near a hog enclosure while straining to survive the Iowa River floodwaters, southeast of Oakville. Many residents were forced to leave their possessions and, in some cases livestock, behind Saturday after the levee broke. Matt Ryerson/ The Hawk Eye

Deputies shoot pigs to save levee, land

Officials said they killed the pigs over worries that they would weaken the levee.

Precious pets reunited with worried owners

…Rescue workers from Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society and volunteer group Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network have picked up dozens of cats and one dog from flooded homes, barns and on top of trees in the Oakville and bottoms area…. The groups, which have been boating back and forth in the area since Tuesday, have been asked to come in by officials at the Iowa Department of Agriculture, mainly to recover stranded pets.

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Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network was enlisted by Iowa Agriculture Dept/State Veterinary Response to send volunteers for animal flood victims. During disasters, we are on phone, fax, and Internet 24/7. The cost to keep our tiny staff on-call is immense. Any donations are greatly appreciated at this time. Kinship Circle is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

DONATE ONLINE: www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

DONATE BY MAIL: Kinship Circle
7380 Kingsbury Blvd.; St. Louis, MO 63130

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
Communicating during disasters to mobilize volunteers, supplies, and other
resources for animal victims. www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

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Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts farm sanctuary natural disaster floods flooding midwest iowa illinois missouri animal rescue disaster relief companion animal pet dog canine cat feline livestock farm animals farmed animals pigs volunteer donate foster adopt news in the news kinship circle brenda shoss best friends best friends animal society flickr photos

EMERGENCY RESCUE FUND
Stranded Pigs Need Urgent Help!

Flood waters have ravaged the Midwest, and farm animals need immediate rescue! The recent flooding has hit largely agricultural areas, leaving pigs, cattle and other animals stranded.

Hundreds of factory farm pigs have been left trapped and drowning in crates, or freed only to be swept away by rapid currents … trying desperately to survive on area levees.

Farm Sanctuary dispatched a rescue team with our large animal rescue trailer last week and we are currently on the ground in Iowa and Illinois to save drowning and stranded pigs.

Please, give to the Emergency Rescue Fund right now to help our lifesaving efforts and rescue these stranded, suffering animals:

secure2.vegsource.com/farmsanc/fs/donate_erf_pigs08_alert.html

This rescue is urgent and every moment counts. We, and the pigs, need your help right now.

Many pigs swam for their lives to the closest land or levee. Many are stranded without food or water. They are desperately clinging to life and waiting for rescuers to arrive.

Farm Sanctuary is working with other organizations to transport surviving pigs to a temporary holding area, and once pigs are in our custody, Farm Sanctuary will be ensuring their immediate care and transport to sanctuary.

We need your gift to the Emergency Rescue Fund today to make this effort possible.

Please, be there for the pigs today. Make an urgent donation to Farm Sanctuary’s Emergency Rescue Fund:

secure2.vegsource.com/farmsanc/fs/donate_erf_pigs08_alert.html

HOMES NEEDED

Farm Sanctuary is also in urgent need of adoptive homes for rescued pigs. If you are able to provide a loving home to a brave survivor of the Midwest Flood Disaster, please call 607-583-2225 ext. 223.

NEW REPORTS

“After five days in the water, hundreds of pigs were dead, but others had managed to survive. The difficult, dirty and dangerous job of getting the pigs out of the highly contaminated river water began.

farmsanctuary.org/mediacenter/flood08.html

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Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts farm sanctuary natural disaster floods flooding midwest iowa illinois missouri animal rescue disaster relief companion animal pet dog canine cat feline livestock farm animals farmed animals pigs volunteer donate foster adopt news in the news

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
Communicating during disasters to mobilize volunteers, supplies, and other resources for animal victims. www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

6/24: Emergency Sheltering Volunteers Needed In Iowa

Kinship Circle has been asked to continue staffing two surge shelters for Iowa flood victims for the remainder of this week and next week.

County coordinators at both Lee County Fairgrounds and Johnson County Fairgrounds need VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY SHELTERING DUTIES.

1. IF YOU CAN GO TO IOWA THIS WEEK OR NEXT WEEK, NOTIFY US NOW.

2. SEND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO:

kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net -OR- pawsitivedirections [at] yahoo.com (DON’T SEND TO BOTH)

* YOUR NAME:
* PHONE NUMBER (cell you’ll have with you):
* FULL PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
* BRIEF INFO RE: YOUR ANIMAL DISASTER AID EXPERIENCE:
* ARRIVE/DEPART DATES IN IOWA
* TYPE: IOWA VOLUNTEER in subject line of email

This info is needed for the Iowa flood disaster. It’s also filed for future disasters in which we’re asked to send qualified independent volunteers. THANK YOU all for your concern for animal flood victims in Iowa. We deeply appreciate your experience, professionalism and devotion to animals in disasters. Kinship Circle

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1. LEE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS:

**You may report to Lee County Fairgrounds without calling county coordinator.
**Upon arrival, check-in with ground coordinators and sign their liability release.

PHONE CONTACTS, IF NEED DIRECTIONS ONCE IN IOWA
DO NOT CALL THESE PEOPLE, UNLESS LOST IN IOWA
Southeast Iowa Animal Protective League, Barbara Bryant: 319-835-3087
Amber Talbott: 319-461-9708

LEE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS STAGING AREA
Hwy. 218, Lee County Fairgrounds
(North edge of Donnellson, Iowa, on Highway 218)
EXIT AT “Lee County Fairgrounds” sign

AMENITIES
Toilets
Town of Donnellson has some hotels
Or camp on Lee County Fairgrounds

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2. JOHNSON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS:

**Call Misha Goodman to tell her your firm arrival date: 319-621-3274

JOHNSON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
4265 Oakcrest Hill Road
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
CALL MISHA GOODMAN for alternate routes to road closures: 319-621-3274

COMING FROM NORTH
From Cedar Rapids airport, get on Hwy 380 south
380 just south of I-80 turns into Hwy 218
Exit on Riverside Drive (rt) and will be traveling north
Johnson County Fairgrounds is 1/4 mile on left side of road

COMING FROM WEST
Take I-80 to Hwy 218
Exit on Riverside Drive (rt) and will be traveling north
Johnson County Fairgrounds is 1/4 mile on left side of road

AMENITIES
Indoor facility with cots for volunteers

JOHNSON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS is the emergency shelter for Iowa City Animal Shelter, which remains underwater. This temporary site currently has approx. 100+ flood and pre-flood animals. There is no known date the flooded shelter will reopen. Volunteer staffing is needed to maintain operations and keep animals as comfortable as possible in this setting. Those with animal handling/shelter experience who wish to help flood-displaced animals should volunteer at this site.

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– You are an “independent rescuer.” You are responsible for decisions made about traveling to Iowa. Kinship Circle receives information daily from Iowa Dept. Of Agriculture’s Veterinary Response Coordinator and Iowa county coordinators.

– You are responsible for your own transportation and personal needs.

Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle — kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Terri Kelley, Kinship Circle — pawsitivedirections [at] yahoo.com

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IF YOU GO, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR IOWA FLOOD PHOTOS TO:
kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net

Include your name + brief description of photo (where it was taken)
We’ll include your photos on our website… Thank you!

Exhausted from their ordeal, dry pigs finally rest… Bob Rude, of Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network, comforts some of the pigs he, David Halperin, and Cheri Deatsch helped Farm Sanctuary rescue from flooded areas in Oakville, Iowa. Photo credit: Cheri Deatsch, Kinship Circle

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SUGGESTED PERSONAL SUPPLIES / GENERAL TRAVEL INFO LIST DEVELOPED DURING KATRINA RESPONSE:

current Hepatitis vaccinations (suggestion, not mandatory)
current Tetanus shot
hand sanitizer
insect repellent
sunscreen
first aid kits
thick “bite-proof” work gloves
sturdy, waterproof (rubber) work boots/shoes
hip-waders [only applies to our small, pre-designated water crew]
change of shoes
long sleeve shirts (for coverage, but lightweight)
long pants (for coverage, but lightweight)
extra socks
belt (to hang gears/supplies from)
mouth coverings (surgical masks, bandannas)
eye protection (sunglasses)
flashlights
D batteries
cash
toilet paper
pillow and blanket
water, Gateraid
other personal-care items

SHELTER: Bring a tent or trailer/RV type vehicle to live in.
air mattress, cot, or sleeping bag

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The Eastern Iowa Airport
2121 Arthur Collins Pkwy SW; Cedar Rapids, IA
319-362-8336, www.eiairport.org

Airline Carriers for The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids

Allegiant Air

www.allegiantair.com

Flies Non-stop to Las Vegas, Orlando and Phoenix-Mesa

American Airlines
American Eagle, AmericanConnection, www.aa.com

Delta
Delta / Comair, www.delta.com

Northwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines, Northwest Airlink, www.nwa.com

United Airlines

www.united.com

Auto Rental Available at the Airport

Avis
9505 18th St SW; Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-366-4926

National Car Rental
2121 Wright Brothers Blvd W; Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-363-0249, www.nationalcar.com

Hertz Rent A Car
9505 18th St SW # 1; Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-365-9408, www.hertz.com

Bed And Breakfast

The Golden Haug
517 E. Washington St.; Iowa City, IA 52240
319-354-4284, www.goldenhaug.com
2.6 miles from Johnson County Fairgrounds

Inn & Suites

Alexis Park Inn & Suites
1165 S. Riverside Drive; Iowa City, Iowa 52246
Toll Free: 888-9ALEXIS (888-925-3947), Local: 319-337-8665
1.5 miles from Johnson County Fairgrounds Travel time to the fairgrounds approximately 5-10 minutes due to detours around flooding. Otherwise only a couple of minutes.

Motel
Motel 6
810 1st Ave; Coralville, IA 52241
319-354-0030, www.motel6.com

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Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

When KC Animal Disaster Aid Network is enlisted to help during disasters, we are on phone, fax, Internet 24/7. The cost to keep our tiny staff on-call is immense. Any donations are greatly appreciated at this time. Kinship Circle is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

DONATE ONLINE:

www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

DONATE BY MAIL:
Kinship Circle
7380 Kingsbury Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63130

******************************

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

———————–

Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss natural disaster flood floods flooding iowa midwest indiana wisconsin cedar rapids disaster relief disaster response pet companion animal dog canine cat feline livestock horse cow bovine volunteer donate flickr photos news in the news animal rescue lee county johnson county

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: American Humane Association – email [at] americanhumane.org
Date: Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Subject: Help animals displaced by flood

American Humane, June 2008

Breaking News: American Humane Assists Animals in Flood-Stricken Illinois

Over the weekend, American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services unit deployed to Adams County, Ill., to help animals affected by the severe flooding in the Midwest. As an area that was overwhelmed by the scope of this crisis, Adams County was in dire need of assistance.

American Humane answered the call by joining forces with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Together, we are working to find and set up emergency shelter sites for the many animals made homeless in recent days. It’s a collaboration that is allowing the county to keep as many animals as possible fed, sheltered and healthy through the duration of the crisis.

Your donation today will allow us to continue these vital operations and prepare for the inevitable next disaster. In some situations, animals’ survival instinct simply isn’t enough — they desperately need caring donors like you to make our rescue efforts possible.

American Humane Provides Grants to Shelters in Iowa

American Humane’s response in Illinois is the second wave of assistance we’ve provided to communities impacted by Midwest flooding. Last week, we reached out to overwhelmed and underfunded animal shelters in Iowa, extending $12,500 in emergency grants to those hardest hit by the disaster.

The grants are being put to immediate use, keeping hundreds of animals safe during the crisis. For example, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center was filled with four feet of water and uninhabitable. The money from American Humane helped the facility evacuate and relocate to nearby fairgrounds.

Stay tuned for an update on our progress in Illinois. And in the meantime, please donate! Your support will fund American Humane’s ongoing relief efforts in the Midwest and ensure our readiness for future crises that put animals in harm’s way.

About American Humane

Our mission is to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society.

American Humane is committed to the responsible stewardship of donated funds and to meeting the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness and cost effectiveness.

American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America “Best In America” Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator.

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Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts aha american humane american humane association natural disaster floods flooding midwest illinois missouri iowa animal rescue disaster relief pet companion animal cat feline dog canine livestock farm animals farmed animals pigs news in the news donate volunteer

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK has been asked by the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture/Veterinary Response Coordinator to support rescue operations for Iowa animal flood victims and send volunteers where needed. If you’ve seen the expanse of Midwest floods in news coverage — you know we have our work cut out for us! We thank KC Primary subscribers for their patience during this time…as we’ve been unable to focus on other campaigns.

RELIEF GLOBAL
6/20/08: IOWA FLOOD – Notes From The Water’s Edge

PHOTOS: Louisa County, Oakville area, Iowa.
Credit: Molly Wald
View more photos from rescue operations 6/18 and 6/19/08: flickr.com/photos/mollywald/sets/72157605698148806/

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1. NOTES: Oakville Area (Louisa County) Flood

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A rescue and a reunion. Photo credit: Molly Wald

OAKVILLE AREA (LOUISA COUNTY) FLOOD:

6/19/08: A boat crew assessed the scope of trapped animals. About 25 animals were rescued from flooded areas and five were reunited with their families. Some residents on boats also retrieved stranded animals. Oakville animals were brought to Mediapolis Veterinary Clinic and Des Moines County Animal Shelter, in Burlington, Iowa area. Neither shelter is in overflow yet. Boat rescuers expect to leave Oakville 6/20, to set-up at Lee County Fairgrounds staging area for assessment of animal situation in southeast Iowa.

LEFT PHOTO: Chewy is saved and reunited with his family.

RIGHT PHOTO: A rescued cat awaits transport to a flood shelter.
Photo credits: Robyn Urman

One lucky dog, about 6 years old, was found in the rafters of a flooded home — where she’d crawled to escape floodwaters. At first the evacuated house appeared empty. Then the walls began to tremble a bit, as this relieved girl wagged her tail enthusiastically. “Chewy” was reunited with her family later that day, after a rescuer at the scene covered vet bills for a bleeding front paw. Considering her ordeal, Chewy’s in good shape…and happy to be back with her people.

Photo credits: Molly Wald

Kinship Circle sent a PSA to Iowa TV/radio and newspapers, on behalf of Iowa Dept. of Agriculture, alerting residents to the rescue operations in Oakville and where to check for their companions. The announcement also included an Iowa hotline for residents to request rescue of animals trapped in flooded homes. We hope the publicity will lead rescuers to more animals.

6/20/08: Already this morning, six cats and a puppy are out of harm’s way. Calls continue to come in about animals stranded in flooded neighborhoods.

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2. NOTES: Southeast Iowa Floods

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Photo credits: Molly Wald

SOUTHEAST IOWA / FORT MONTROSE, ARGYLE, KEOKUK, BURLINGTON… FLOODS:

6/20/08: Burlington, in southeast Iowa, was among the last Iowa areas to fill with water…making waters too dangerous for search and rescue until now. Boat teams plan to leave Oakville late this afternoon to set up at a “surge shelter” for assessment and rescue.

Though we do not yet know the full scope of need here, we know at least 40-50 animals had been rescued and that Southeast Iowa Animal Protection League is networking foster homes and shelters to house them. The staging area is underway at Lee County Fairgrounds and volunteers in, or on their way, to Iowa are on standby to move here.

COVERAGE OF DEVESTATION IN SOUTHEAST IOWA:

www.thehawkeye.com/

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3. NOTES: The Tragedy Of The Pigs

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Photo credit: Molly Wald

LOUISA COUNTY PIGS:

6/18/08: A hog factory with thousands of pigs flooded. The owner was able to evacuate most pigs, but 500 were released into waters. Some drowned…Others who swam for their lives and managed to hoist their bodies atop levees where SHOT by officials…because their hooves damaged sandbags. Most remain trapped in a water-surrounded area. Kinship Circle has contacted Farm Sanctuary, a rescue/advocacy group that helped farmed animals after Katrina.

Photo credit: Molly Wald

6/19/08: Some loose pigs have been spotted in churchyards, inside homes, and on rooftops. One report said 70 pigs had convened in a single area. The Louisa County Sheriff estimates 100 or more pigs — from several flooded farms — are still wandering.

Most of the pigs were contained in one water engulfed area. In today’s conference call with Iowa Ag Dept. we learned none of these particular pigs are left. Local barge crews herded most out of the water. Survivors will return to livestock operations… We do not have precise numbers.

On a positive note, one boat rescuer searching for stranded companion animals today encountered a pig struggling in fast currents, clinging to a floating object. As the pig swam around the corner of a building, the rescuer was able to guide him toward an adjacent house with a relatively dry porch. Though impossible for the rescuer to board this giant pig on his small boat, he left the pig on dry ground with plenty of food.

Photo credit: Molly Wald

Deputies shoot pigs to save levee, land

Pigs Shot to Protect Flood Levee

Pigs perish on submerged farmland; Animals drown or are shot while struggling to find dry land.

********************************

When KC Animal Disaster Aid Network is enlisted to help during disasters, we are on phone, fax, Internet 24/7. The cost to keep our tiny staff on-call is immense. Any donations are greatly appreciated at this time. Kinship Circle is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

DONATE ONLINE:

www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

DONATE BY MAIL:
Kinship Circle
7380 Kingsbury Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63130

********************************

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

PLEASE DONATE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE (It’s tax-deductible):

www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alert

—————————-

Tagged: animals animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss natural disaster floods flooding midwest iowa missouri indiana mississippi river animal rescue disaster relief pet companion animal dog canine cat feline farmed animals livestock pig pigs animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals food animals news in the new photos flickr molly ward Oakville Louisa County Des Moines County Animal Shelter Burlington Des Moines County Lee County Fairgrounds Lee County hog hogs hog factory factory farming factory farm animal agriculture sandbags levees farm sanctuary tragedy emergency relief