Equine foundation accepting disaster relief aid for horses

Lexington, Ky.

-- The Equine Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, is accepting donations to help horses in Texas and Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ike.

Money donated to the fund will go to credible programs and organizations that are helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts in the recent hurricane's aftermath, and toward any future disasters, the AAEP says.

The Equine Disaster Relief Fund was used after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005 to benefit the health and welfare of horses, and to assist with emergency and disaster-preparedness programs, and funds will be directed in similar ways this time, the.organization says.

"The AAEP, AAEP Foundation and the equine veterinary community are saddened by the tragic loss of life and incredible destruction and flooding caused by Hurricane Ike," said Eleanor Green, DVM, Dipl.ACVIM, Dipl. ABVP and AAEP's current president. "We are compelled to reach out, together with our members, horse owners and industry leaders, as part of the effort to support the human and equine victims of this disaster."

The foundation will work with agencies and veterinary members in Texas and Louisiana to identify the needs of the equine community.

Visit www.aaepfoundation.org for more information or to download a donation form, or call 1-800-443-0177. Or, tax-deductible donations can be mailed to AAEP Foundation Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP Foundation, 4075 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Ky. 40511.