Press Releases

September 21, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Phone: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Special Delivery!
Cat Evacuees Get Hope for a New Home

MILWAUKEE – Eighty cats and six dogs will receive a warm welcome and hope at last for a new home from shelters stricken by Hurricane Katrina. Animals will arrive at the Wisconsin Humane Society's Emergency Animal Shelter at State Fair Park on Thursday, September 22 at 1 p.m. Wisconsin Humane Society staff will greet the cats with open arms as they arrive on the Rescue Waggin' from Mississippi and Louisiana.

The Wisconsin Humane Society is working with the ASPCA to relieve shelters that have been inundated with animals. Some of the cats were in shelters that were washed out and relocated to temporary shelters. Many of the staff working at these shelters became homeless after the hurricane and were not able to get to the shelter to help. Arriving in Milwaukee will be the last leg of their long journey to find a long-term home.

To insure the fastest placement of these animals, the Wisconsin Humane Society is working with neighboring shelters to place these evacuated animals. Each shelter will provide the cats with a great new start.

Financial resources are needed to maintain the cats' care at each respective animal welfare organization. To make a monetary donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society to help defray the cost of transport and care for the animals, visit www.wihumane.org . Monetary donations are also being accepted by mailing or dropping off the contribution at the Wisconsin Humane Society, 4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue , Milwaukee , WI 53208 . Please make sure to indicate the donation is for the cat evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. In-kind donations are also needed, including cat litter, small litter pans and cat toys. These items can also be dropped off at WHS.

Jill DeGrave, Program Director at the Wisconsin Humane Society, is available for media interviews during the time when the cats arrive at State Fair Park. To schedule an interview, please call Michelle Pintar at (414) 431-6104.

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