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PRESS RELEASE
Louisiana SPCA Reflects on Katrina
as Gustav Preparations Continue
 NEW ORLEANS, LA (8/29/08) –
Louisiana SPCA continues to move
forward with its evacuation in
advance of the storm, but the timing
of Gustav is not lost on this
120-year-old organization that led
the largest animal rescue effort in
U.S. history following the aftermath
of Katrina, which devastated New
Orleans and Mississippi when it made
landfall on August 29, 2005.
Prior to Gustav’s development the
LA/SPCA had already made the
decision to mark the third year
anniversary with “a quiet, somber
reflection rather than a formal
event,” said LA/SPCA director Ana
Zorrilla. “It’s difficult to mark an
event that was so painful and so
tragic with a traditional
anniversary event,” said Zorrilla.
“We felt the most important aspect
to mark about Hurricane Katrina is
never forgetting the companion
animals who suffered so tragically.”
Zorrilla said Katrina also drove
home the importance of companion
animals in our lives and why pets
have to be an integral component in
disaster planning on all levels.”
Zorrilla said the LA/SPCA will also
never forget all of the residents
who lost or were separated from
their pets. “We hope they have been
able to find some peace, but we know
losing a companion animal is not
unlike losing a family member. The
pain will always be there.”
As Gustav continues its projected
path into the Gulf of Mexico,
Zorrilla said the organization will
continue to focus on the work at
hand to prepare for Gustav and its
possible aftermath, but she said
remembering the animals of Katrina
is obviously at the forefront. “It’s
a poignant reminder of a very tragic
moment," said Zorrilla, "but let's
hope that lessons have been
learned."
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