The Pets of Katrina - Why Injustice Continues

Thousands of pets were displaced from their owners by hurricane Katrina, and out of an act of severe irresponsibility, humane associations nationwide adopted out many of these pets before the flood waters even receded. Why? There were literally thousands of non-Katrina pets in shelters, but the fact of the matter was, suddenly humane associations were offered an opportunity that played upon their greed; literally hundreds of pets, many of which were purebred and well taken care of were suddenly available to re-homing centers. It was an opportunity few could refuse.

Speaking frankly to rescuers, microchips didn't always matter when it came to hurricane Katrina. Besides, homes that were flooded out completely had no one at home if they bothered to trace down the microchips. A friend of mine was ecstatic by the Katrina fiasco, stating that finally she would be able to get the pug she always wanted and she figured it would cost a lot less than getting it from a normal rescue because they were literally flooded with animals. The rescuers basically used the excuse that the pets were left behind, but with Katrina, the truth wasn't that easy.

We all remember footage after Katrina - The people being begged to go with the military and volunteers who tried to rescue them in the boats. But the truth is, the refugees were often told they had to leave their beloved pets behind. Those who fled to the dome were turned away if they had a pup in tow, and so many chose to die with their furry friends rather than choose to be responsible for the animal's death. When the boats came around, refugees were faced with suffering in the polluted flood waters or leaving pets behind and hoping for the kindness of animal welfare corporations, who were overwhelmed and often kept poor records.

Now we are faced with lawsuits, but there aren't as many as there should be. The reason for this is that fact that people who lost their pets often don't know where to begin, and a lawsuit can cost a lot of money. Though most cases are being found for the Katrina victim owners, often agreements to return precious pets from the Katrina torn areas have been often fruitless. People have become attached to the animals they have "rescued." In some ways, they are guilty of receiving stolen property, looted by well-meaning but disorganized rescue systems. Are you one of those thieves?

If you rescued a hurricane Katrina dog, it is imperative that you make sure that pet does not have a microchip, and if it does, find out if its owners are still alive. Make the effort; there is a law that says you have to for three years after finding someone's pet. In addition, if there is no microchip, offer a nondescript entry on one of the many Katrina found pets websites. After all, can you deal with the fact that you may be holding the puppy of a little boy whose mom drowned in the floods? How about a military guy who came back from Iraq to find out that his dog had been illegally adopted out?

The truth is, few believed Katrina would destroy the way it did. Rescuers at first were only concerned about people, not pets. Katrina has left in its wake heartbreak, and those who still refuse to return Katrina pets are monsters who continue to victimize people who already lost so much. If you know of a Katrina pet, please talk to its owner about these matters; it's wrong to do otherwise. St. Francis was never an advocate of THEFT. Animal custody battles are certain to continue for the next few years, but though offering shelter for a Katrina refugee pet is honorable, continuing to keep that pet after the owners have been found is deplorable.

How can I help? Contact the head of the Humane Society and ASPCA and let them know that they need to do more about the Katrina animals. In addition, search to see if a Katrina animal in your area might be dearly missed by their legitimate owners. One site that can help is http://disaster.petfinder.org/emergency/home.html, a site created by Petfinder to reunite misplaced and illegally adopted Katrina owners with their lost owners.