PRESS RELEASE

LOUISIANA SPCA CLOSELY MONITORING TROPICAL STORM FAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA (8/22/08) – The Louisiana SPCA is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Fay and has activated its low level storm plan in the event that the area experiences street flooding or other severe weather conditions. In the event of a low level storm the LA/SPCA will close to the public during the hours of impact. Animal control officers will not be dispatched if the streets are impassable but will be positioned to respond as soon as the roads are safe.

Ana Zorrilla, director of the LA/SPCA said there are no plans to evacuate the shelter, but have begun notifying partner shelters in Baton Rouge and Dallas in the event that the storm strengthens and a full evacuation of the shelter is necessary. “We’ve always placed a high priority on advance planning and protecting our shelter animals and will continue to closely monitor the weather conditions over the next few days,” said Zorrilla. Zorrilla also said essential personnel will remain at the shelter overnight should road conditions make it impossible for a full staff to return to work in the event of flooding. “There’s no cause for alarm,” Zorrilla added, “but it’s important to be prepared for any potential weather situation.”

The public is asked to continue to check the shelter’s website at www.la-spca.org throughout the weekend or call the main number 504-368-5191 for closure information. If there is an emergency involving a stray or owned animal, the public is asked to call the LA/SPCA at 504-368-5191 x100 to
report the situation. Please note, the LA/SPCA does not provide boarding for personal pets.



The Louisiana SPCA is also reminding pet owners to also put in place the following steps to protect their pets during a storm:

• Bring all animals that are outside in and shelter them indoors throughout the storm to protect them from wind, flooding and flying debris.
   

• If you live in a mobile home or trailer, go to the home of a friend or neighbor and bring your pets with you. Trailers and mobile homes are likely to tip over or be damaged in a storm, and if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pet.
   

• Provide your pet with a means of comfort, such as a secure dark room or crate, soft music and/or a favorite toy. Animals sense changes in weather and pressure more than people and can tell when a storm is coming.
   

• Make sure your animals have ID tags or microchips with current contact information in case they get loose during the storm. Contact your area animal shelter immediately if your pet is missing.

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