Tornado displaces more than 30 dogs

From the Fayetteville Observer 4-20-11

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/04/20/1087879

Kim Alboun, state director for the Humane Society of the United States, was at the Cumberland County animal shelter on Monday offering help for animals displaced by the recent tornadoes which devastated many parts of our community.

As of Monday, a total of 39 dogs had been taken to the shelter because of the recent storm. More than 30 dogs were rescued from one home by Animal Services personnel following the disaster. Shelter employees spent most of the night working on rescue efforts for the displaced animals.

Six puppies also have been brought into the shelter as a result of the storm.

"Thirty extra dogs would put a strain on any shelter" Alboun says. "Right now, our shelters are full, and we are dealing with budget cuts and pet over-population."

Alboun says that the Humane Society will put out a call to "placement partners" that can help care for the animals to free up needed space at the shelter. Dr. John Lauby, director of the Cumberland County Animal Services, said he greatly appreciates the offer of support from the Humane Society.

He said he also has received calls offering help from Unchain Cumberland County and the Haven, two other rescue groups.

Lauby says that the shelter's Emergency Response Team went into action three hours after receiving news of the community devastation from the storm. The team set up a portable kennel system at Westover Recreation Center, which served as a community shelter.

Lauby says that no one chose to place their animals in the kennel, but it was there in case someone needed that option. Lauby also says an emergency response plan has been in place at the county animal shelter, but this is the first time it has actually been put to use.

Our thoughts, prayers and support should be with everyone that has been affected by the recent storm. It is heartwarming to see the overwhelming response from organizations and volunteers as they have stepped forward to help others in their time of need.

It is also good to know that the animals weren't lost in the shuffle.

Lisa Carter Waring is a retired educator and consultant who lives in Hope Mills. She can be reached at LCart99@aol.com.