The telephone number for horse owners in need is (225) 578-9501. This help line will function from 8 am to 5 pm through the coming weekend and perhaps longer if the need is evident. A secondary number exclusively dedicated to this purpose is (225) 578-9062.
District representatives from the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) have reported that there are no hurricane-related equine needs at this time in terms of a full-scale response effort and that there are no plans for any staging areas at this time. However, plans are in place in the event of that need. “Reports of injured horses, or horses in need of evacuation are minimal at this point,” said Dr. Becky McConnico, LSU Faculty Veterinarian and LSART Equine Branch Director. “That could possibly change as the rains continue and horse owners begin to contact the school from different areas of the state,” she said.
Donations are being accepted to assist the effort as the LSU team gears up to respond to the equine community and offer assistance where needed. To contribute to this effort, please make your contribution payable to the LSU Foundation with ‘Animal Disaster Fund’ in the memo line and send to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine – Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
