With the arrival of Hurricane Ida as a Category 4 storm with winds of 150 mph, one of the strongest hurricanes ever to hit Louisiana, The Foundation for the Horse is asking for financial help for horses impacted by evacuations or that otherwise may be in harm’s way.
The Foundation has provided immediate aid of $20,000 total to two groups it has worked with previously on disaster relief: the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association’s Equine Committee and the Texas Equine Veterinary Association Foundation, which will be assisting its neighbors in Louisiana. In anticipation of the storm, The Foundation has been working with these groups and others during the past week on shelter locations, hay, feed shipments, and veterinary medical supplies. Veterinarians within these groups have been actively helping horses evacuated prior to the storm and are currently assisting with recovery and post-storm care.
The Foundation is working with agencies and veterinary members in Louisiana and Texas to identify the needs of the equine community. Supplies are not being accepted currently because the catastrophic storm is still occurring. Once The Foundation receives an assessment of needs and distribution protocols from the agencies and veterinary members in the afflicted areas, The Foundation will work to support them with monetary and other resources as needed.
“The Foundation and the equine veterinary community know the tragic loss of life and incredible destruction and flooding that was caused by Hurricane Ida,” said Foundation Advisory Council chair Dr. Rick Mitchell. “We are compelled to reach out, together with our members, horse owners and industry leaders, as part of the effort to proactively support the disaster’s equine victims.”
To make a gift to The Foundation in support of disaster relief or another area benefiting equine welfare, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org and click the “Donate” button.
About The Foundation for the HorseEstablished in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and Benevolence. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation awards nearly $700,000 annually in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.