The Montgomery County Humane society collected pet supplies Sept. 4 and 5 to deliver to animals in distress in the Gulf costal region following Hurricane Katrina.
Following the disaster, the Society contacted Louisiana State University to inquire how it could help, according to Leigh Murphy, director of public realtions for the Society.
Basic supplies were sorely needed.
"They had animals but didnt have enough bowls to feed them in, or have enough food to give them," Murphy said.
Volunteers collected bowls, leashes, collars, pet food, kitty litter, and other suplies at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.
"The community support has been incredible," Murphy said. "We have one 18 foot truck full, our mobile adoption unit is full, and we're having to get another truck."
Natural disasters create unique hazards for animals, who often become separated from their owners, and cannot be taken into most refugee shelters for health reasons.
"One of the main things is illness--getting them to where we can take care of them," Murphy said.
The Society will send a volunteer team and its mobile adoption unit along with the supplies Thursday. A second team may depart Saturday.
Donations will be accepted on an ongoing basis at the animal shelter, 14645 Rothgeb Drive, Rockville. For more information, call 240-773-5960 or visit www.mchumane.org.
For more information on rescue efforts for animals, visit the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org or United Animal Nations at www.uan.org.