As Hurricane Helene swept through the southeastern United States, causing significant destruction, our team was on the ground in southern Georgia, working tirelessly to assess and address the needs of animals and their caretakers. After seven days of continuous effort, our mission in Georgia has come to an end, and we’re preparing for the next stage in North Carolina.
Mission Overview
Our dedicated and passionate team, based at the Tift County Agricultural Extension in Tifton, GA, included staff responders, communications experts, and partner responders from the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART). Armed with vital equipment—trucks, trailers, and boats—we were fully equipped to take on any challenge, ready to provide rescue and recovery with determination and heart. Together, we embraced the mission, knowing that every effort made a difference for the animals and communities in need.
Challenges in the Field
The team faced significant obstacles, primarily related to communication. Outages caused by the storm left many areas unreachable by phone. Despite this, our team remained determined, completing critical assessments and providing much-needed assistance to impacted communities. Over the course of the mission, our teams visited 100+ locations in multiple counties, checking on animal welfare, facility needs, and other resources.
We coordinated with several partners, including the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC), LSART, and various local agencies. Our focus was on animal search and rescue, particularly in rural agricultural areas, where many animals were left vulnerable due to the storm’s impact.
Key Achievements
- Completed assessments in 13 counties, reaching 190 facilities and directly impacting 300+ animals.
- Provided critical supplies, including water (250 gallons) and pet food.
- Ensured that the needs for hay, fencing, and additional water for affected animals were identified and addressed.
Looking Ahead
With the mission in Georgia now complete, the team is demobilizing and shifting focus to North Carolina, where we've been requested to assist with animal search and rescue operations. The challenges will continue, especially with communication, but we remain committed to providing the best support possible.
Additionally, we are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton, which already become a Category 5 storm and is bearing down on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Preparedness efforts are already underway, ensuring we can respond swiftly if needed.
Thank You to Our Partners
We couldn’t have accomplished all of this without the incredible support of our partners, including the GDA, NARSC, LSART, and ASAR partners. Their assistance was vital in getting the resources and coordination we needed to make this mission a success. Also, a big thank you to the PEDIGREE Foundation for their generous support of the American Humane Rescue Team throughout our deployment in southern Georgia. Because of the PEDIGREE Foundation and the generous donations of so many people across the community, we've been able to provide direct and immediate relief to animals and families impacted by Hurricane Helene.
We will continue to keep everyone updated as we mobilize to North Carolina and beyond. Stay tuned for further updates on our rescue and relief efforts!
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