ASPCA assists Central Oklahoma Humane Society in caring for displaced animals

Via PRNewswire - The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), at the request of Central Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) in Oklahoma City, Okla., has dispatched its disaster response team to assist with shelter operations as the facility experiences an influx of animals affected by the devastating tornado that hit Moore, Okla. on May 20. The ASPCA and OK Humane are also coordinating the distribution of pet food to impacted areas.

The ASPCA has also enlisted the assistance of the following agencies for this joint disaster relief effort: IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) of Yarmouth Port, Mass.; Code 3 Associates Animal Disaster Response of Longmont, Colo.; and RedRover of Sacramento, Calif. Representatives from SAWA (Society of Animal Welfare Administrators) are also en route to OK Humane to lend their support.

Since the tornado, local animal control officers with the City of Oklahoma City have brought 110 lost, stray, injured or displaced pets to OK Humane where they are being assessed and cared for; that number could rise in the coming days. OK Humane has also reunited 46 pets so far with their families.

"OK Humane is very fortunate to have the ASPCA as a partner," said Christy Counts, president and executive director of OK Humane. "We feel confident that with their assistance and support during this critical time, we will be able to provide excellent disaster response to this tragic situation."

"We're happy to lend a hand to Central Oklahoma Humane by providing staffing to handle the influx of animals affected by this disaster," said Dick Green, director of disaster response for the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team. "Our goal is to help make sure things run smoothly, and to see that the animals are comfortable and find their way back to their families as soon as possible."

For more information about how you can help the pets and people of Oklahoma, please visit OK Humane. Moore-area pet owners who are searching for a lost cat or dog, please visit www.okclostpets.com.