Join Flooding Relief Efforts

Flooding can cause a multitude of problems, especially for the hobby farmer who may not have easy access to resources available in more urban areas.

The Red River flooding in Minnesota and North Dakota on Friday has prompted various organizations to start relief efforts in the area specifically for animal victims, reports the Equine Welfare Alliance.

Here are four ways you can help these efforts and ease the burden on farmers and their beloved pets.

1. Special Horses, an organization for registered 501(c)3 nonprofits involved with equine rescue, rehabilitation and therapies, and the North Dakota State University Equine Department are organizing an evacuation for flood victims in their state. A fund for equine victims has been established in cooperation with the university. Donations can be made directly to:

   NDSU Development Foundation
   Flood Horse Victims
   1241 N. University Drive
   Fargo, ND 58102

   Visit the NDSU Foundation website for online donations. Tip for donations: Designate “other” on the drop list, and write “Flood Horse Victims” in the blank space provided.

   The university is also asking for donations of hay, trailering, supplies and temporary housing.

   
   
   
2. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has also established emergency relief and is assisting with dogs and cats that may have been left behind during evacuations or separated from their owners. IFAWs Emergency Relief Manager, Dick Green and Fred O’Regan, estimate that there may be over 3,000 animals in need of temporary shelter, food, medical care and clean water.

   To send an emergency donation to assist with the rescue efforts, visit IFAW’s secure site for online donations.

3. The Fargo-Moorhead (F-M) Humane Society has established an animal rescue area at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo. They need hay and grain and human food for their volunteers. They currently have enough volunteers, cat and dog food, water and bleach, but continue to check as that could change as the numbers of rescues increase.

   A group of volunteers are making a run to Fargo from Minot on Friday, April 3, 2009. There will be a stop in Bismarck to drop off donations for Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue. The supplies currently needed for Fargo are; cat litter, cat litter pans (litter boxes) cat litter scoops, cat food, dog food, jugs of water, horse feed and hay, horse salt block, newspapers, blankets and sheets, any size and color and monetary donations.

   To help with the F-M Humane Society’s efforts, call 701-281-1574.

   The staging area for the drop-offs is:

   Souris Valley Animal Shelter
   1935 20th Ave SE
   Minot, ND 58701

   Please notify the staff that donations are for Fargo Rescue.

4. The Red River Zoo (Fargo Zoo) is taking exotics that have been displaced. Call 701-277-9240 for additional information.

Find other livestock rescue groups around the country.