Two staff members from the Concord Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals arrived in Slidell, La., yesterday to rescue animals from homes evacuated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Thousands of animals were left behind after New Orleans and surrounding areas suffered massive flooding nearly two weeks ago. Because many shelters for victims of the hurricane don't accept pets, even more animals were separated from their owners. Animals left behind are living in contaminated water, without food or drinking water.

Cathy Counter, director of operations at the Concord SPCA, and Sandy Clabaugh, director of development, are aiding volunteers from Noah's Wish, a nonprofit that rescues animals from disasters. With Slidell Animal Control, Noah's Wish has established an emergency animal shelter.

As of Wednesday, there were already 500 pets at the shelter. Only days after the hurricane, volunteers were already rescuing animals, including a Chihuahua that was floating in the flood waters in a kitchen sink. Organizers hope to reunite most animals with their owners.

As trained Noah's Wish volunteers, Counter and Clabaugh are experienced with disaster rescues. Last year, they traveled to West Virginia to save animals from floods. While Counter and Clabaugh may bunk with other volunteers in Slidell motels, they set off Thursday morning prepared to camp, with tents in hand.

Although the SPCA is already understaffed, Director Kim Adams felt it was important for Counter and Clabaugh to go. Each of the SPCA's nine board members donated $50 or more to pay for trip expenses. Staff members also donated money, and Counter and Clabaugh took the SPCA van. Citizen's Bank donated enough gas cards to more than pay for the drive down and back, Adams said. The SPCA is continuing to pay Counter and Clabaugh's salary while they work in Louisiana.

Adams has more plans to assist the recovery effort. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has asked shelters to put together teams of four to send south, and kennel manager Crystal Authier may take part.

In order to cope with the staffing shortage, the SPCA has cut back its hours. They are looking for volunteers to assist in the shelter. In case animals are sent to New Hampshire, the SPCA is also looking for individuals interested in fostering pets.

(The SPCA can be reached at at 753-6751. It is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4:30 p.m.)

------ End of article

By SARAH LIEBOWITZ

Monitor staff