Sept. 8, 2005 — The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has been at the forefront of animal rescue and relief efforts since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, has asked for federal, state and local assistance to help save trapped and abandoned animals, according to a press release on the organization's Web site.

Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of HSUS, made the appeal on Wednesday, Sept. 7, adding that countless animals will die if not found, fed and sheltered over the next few days.

"We are throwing unprecedented resources at the problem, but its magnitude is beyond our capacity. We need help right now," said Pacelle in the release.

"We have animal care experts from around the country who are rescuing as many animals as we can, and we can also take animals rescued by other search and rescue teams."

The HSUS gained access to New Orleans on Sunday, Sept. 4, five days after the city was flooded following the breakdown of several sections of the levy protecting the Big Easy from Lake Pontchartrain.

Upon entering the city, the HSUS was initially focused on saving animals stranded at the New Orleans Superdome. Dozens left behind by owners unable to take them on buses as they evacuated the city were carried to safety.

Since then, the HSUS has been rescuing animals from abandoned houses, picking them up in the streets and collecting them from evacuees leaving the beleaguered city of New Orleans, said the release.

"It's truly a race against the clock," said Pacelle in the release.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 7, more than 1,200 animals in Louisiana and Mississippi have been rescued and cared for by animal protection organizations. The rescued include dogs, cats, cows, ferrets, horses, chinchillas, a rabbit, a duck, a pot-bellied pig and a seal.

"Our teams are working feverishly to rescue as many animals as possible and get out of the watery cesspool left behind by Hurricane Katrina," said Pacelle, "but we can't do it alone. We need the Coast Guard, fire departments, local rescue agencies, and anyone else who can lend a hand to rescue animals in need."

The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9 million members and constituents. So far, they've managed to collect over $8.3 million for animals affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Those who wish to donate to the organization's disaster relief efforts are encouraged to call 1-800-HUMANE-1 or visit www.hsus.org, said the release.