Through all of the highs and lows in these past two years, we have gained encouragement from those who have supported us, and strength from the good we are able to do for the animals and community of the Greater New Orleans area. Moving forward with sharp focus and a united vision, we continue to rebuild. We rebuild for our animals. We rebuild for our community. We rebuild for the human/animal bond.

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow."
- Dorothy Thompson

With gratitude,

The Louisiana SPCA

"Amidst the chaos emerged one of the most enduring of bonds - the human-animal bond. During the hours, days, weeks and months following the storm that bond has only strengthened. In our relationship with animals, it became painfully clear that we needed them as much as they needed us...That the memories and aftershocks of Katrina will remain with us for a long time to come is undeniable. It has impacted every facet of life for a community of people and its animals. The response and reaction to the animal tragedies of Katrina has hopefully marked a turning point in how we view and treat our animal companions. Reflecting on the past year compels us to do no less." - Louisiana SPCA, August 29, 2006

Any memorial to Hurricane Katrina would be incomplete without acknowledging the tragedy that bore down on the animal population of our region when the levees broke. The lives of animals impact the lives of people. It's that simple. People lost their lives because they wouldn't leave their four-legged companions behind when they couldn't evacuate with them. Others, forced to leave them behind, continue looking for their animal companions two years later. And others live with the permanent scar that leaving them behind with food and water was not enough...

[Editor's Note: Cruelty against animals comes in all forms. Ginger Morvant, LA/SPCA Volunteer Program Coordinator, worked closely with the horses that were rescued following the February 25, 2007 horse cruelty case investigated by the LA/SPCA. A horse lover and horse owner, Ginger shares her account of the experience and her love of her horses.]

... In February when we got the call about the horses, naturally I was very concerned. Kathryn Destreza, our Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer asked me to go out to the site and give her my opinion of the situation. I was thrilled to help.

What I saw was just so sad. The property alone was deplorable. I got tangled with thin wire around my ankles on numerous occasions while walking the property. I could untangle myself, the horses could not. Everywhere you looked there were piles of burned trash, barbed wire just laying around, stalls that had over a foot of decaying manure and urine in them, the list goes on and on. Everywhere there was something hazardous to these magnificent animals...

One of the sobering facts you realize when working in a landscape to eliminate acts of cruelty to animals is that many of the cases encountered are due to ignorance and lack of education on the part of the owner about how to properly care for an animal.

Cases where an animal is suffering from a painful health condition such as an extreme flea infestation that can lead to anemia or, untreated, cases of mange. In almost every one of these cases the animal has never received the basic shots and immunizations, nor have they ever received any veterinary care.

A continual problem that plagues our region is that of dogs being tethered in yards with no socialization, interaction or a compassionate touch that all dogs crave and need. Dogs are highly sociable creatures and to withhold that from their existence is cruel and inhumane. Because they live their life at the end of a chain it becomes all they know and they become extremely territorial, hostile and resistant to anyone or anything that enters that lonely, empty world. For those that are rescued, helping them overcome such a trauma can be very difficult.

All of the above are commonly known as unintentional cruelty. Many times unintentional cruelty is passed on from generation to generation, and this makes humane education a critical and vital role in our society.

There are also cases of intentional cruelty, and those cases are the most difficult to understand...

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we rely on the generosity of others. Making a donation goes a long way in our fight against animal cruelty.

The public is the biggest ally in fighting animal cruelty and neglect. It is crucial that everyone gets involved and stays involved. If you witness animal cruelty, or think that you have, in Orleans Parish, call the LA/SPCA at (504) 368-5191, ext.100, as well as the police department, or fill out the online Request for Investigation Report. If you are outside of Orleans Parish, contact your local authorities.

Shop on-line with these exclusive LA/SPCA T-shirts that deliver unforgettable anti-dogfighting messages. The shirts, as well as other items, are being sold to help raise funds for our dogfighting work, and at the same time promote the anti- dogfighting message.

The slogans illustrated in the series of shirts are;

      Pit Bulls are Lovers Not Fighters
      Real Men Don't Fight Dogs
      Dogfighting Is Wack
      Fight For Them, It's Worth Every Lick