Renée Poirrier, DVM Director, Louisiana State Animal Response Team
Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) is an organization of groups and individuals with an interest in animal well-being related to emergencies or disasters. Veterinarians, animal control officers, humane organizations, and citizen volunteers make up LSART’s membership list. LSART makes resources available to parishes and the state for animal emergency planning, response and recovery.
Identify local resources that could be used in the animal response. Provide LSART mobile command center at the Fort Jackson Rehab Center site Provide animal transport until professional contracts could be put in place. Identify local Louisiana animal responders that could be scheduled to assist with wildlife rehabilitation
Activation – Not ESF 11 Hazmat Concerns Wide area affected
Natural Vs Manmade Disaster Non Profit Volunteer Organization Employing Responders as contract Labor Insurance Issues- Workman’s comp,Liability
Wildlife rehabilitators Animal control agents Veterinary students Veterinary technicians and assistants Veterinarians LSART responders with wildlife experience
Five Months Three Stabilization Sites Two Rehabilitation centers Over 1500 animals cared for 214 Local Animal Responders 24,000 hours of work
Just In Time Training works Local responders can be used effectively if planned for Daily Safety Briefings work Vet students are a great resource