Volunteer Chapters Mobilize for Louisiana's Forgotten Animals

 It's always the same sad story:  a caring person somewhere in rural Louisiana witnesses animal abuse or finds an animal in distress; when she tries to get help, she's shocked to learn that there are no local shelters, rescue groups or humane agencies to assist.  Local law enforcement officers--who are rarely trained to use animal protection laws--generally refuse to cooperate, as well.  After hours spent desperately searching for assistance, she is eventually referred to our agency.  We do our best to respond through our network of volunteers, investigators and statewide contacts, but we urgently need to expand our network of Louisiana humane workers to help us better assist.  That's why, as we connect with people across Louisiana, we encourage them to start volunteer chapters in their communities.  For those wanting to roll up their sleeves and assist, we call a local town meeting to help them connect with caring local citizens.  Also, in some communities with limited existing services, our chapters form to complement the work of existing agencies.  100% of what these groups raise in their communities  goes toward vet bills, cruelty investigations and animal care, as we provide the infrastructure they need to operate their programs.  We're delighted that our volunteers in the trenches are growing in number this year!  Here are some developments on the chapter front:

   

• ST JAMES CHAPTER - Our newest chapter is already responding to cruelty complaints and neutering feral cats. 
• FRANKLIN PARISH CHAPTER - Investigator Mark Couch is working with local police on the department's first cruelty case; two neglected dogs were seized in freezing temperatures with icicles on their fur; the animals are now seeking loving homes.
• CITY OF BUNKIE CHAPTER - Volunteers neutered and adopted 49 homeless cats and dogs in 2010.
• SOUTHWEST CHAPTER (Lake Charles) - The chapter's 'New Leash on Life' program - which rescues dogs from Calcasieu Animal Control and helps at-risk youth - recently received well deserved praise in a Lake Charles American Press editorial.  Click here to read the article.  
• MAGNOLIA CHAPTER - Our chapter volunteers neutered 656 cats and dogs in 2010!  

 

Additional chapters are forming soon in Madison, Concordia, St. Mary, St. Tammany parishes and others.  Our goal is to have 20 active chapters by the end of 2011, more than doubling our current number.