TVMF pulls in $32,000 for hurricane relief efforts

AUSTIN, TEXAS — After two months of fundraising, the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) raised more than $32,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

TVMF, the charitable and philanthropic arm of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), announced that its fundraising drive was publicized via e-mail to TVMA members and TVMA industry friends and subsequently received an immediate and generous response.

The money raised now will be dispersed to organizations in Louisiana and Mississippi. The TVMF Board of Trustees sought out organizations that need further resources in order to conduct ongoing hurricane cleanup and to ensure animal welfare in the event of future disasters.

It found the following organizations in greatest need:

• Rescue Ranch, Belle Chasse, La.

• Vermilion Animal Aid, Abbeville, La.

• Humane Society of Louisiana, Tylertown, Miss.

• Humane Society of So. Mississippi, Gulfport, Miss.

• Pontchartrain Humane Society, Pearlington, Miss.

In the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, many lost, abandoned and injured animals required veterinary treatment and rescue services, TVMF reports. Since facilities were not equipped for a disaster of Katrina's scale, they now are in need of rehabilitation and disaster preparedness plans. TVMF officials hope the foundation's contribution will be a significant resource for these efforts.

As the 2005 hurricane season brought many animal disaster issues to light, TVMF is grateful to all relief-fund contributors for recognizing and acting on the need to address hurricane cleanup efforts, as well as the broader implications of animal rescue and rehabilitation in times of national crisis.