Hurricane Harvey decimated parts of Texas this past weekend, but the worst may be yet to come for those in the Houston area. Catastrophic flooding has left countless humans and their pets stranded and at risk. In the midst of one of the country's biggest natural disasters, the United States Equestrian Federation has stepped up to provide financial assistance for hundreds of endangered horses and livestock.
The USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund was developed in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. It provides support to first-responders in the wake of epic storms, fires, and other domestic catastrophes. Since the charity's inception in 2005, more than $370,000 has been donated to aid horses and owners in need.
US Equestrian is currently working with the Houston SPCA and emergency rescue services to provide funds, resources and veterinary care to the equine victims of Hurrican Harvey. USEF CEO Bill Moroney said in a statement:
"As part of our commitment to the health, welfare, and safety of horses, the USEF disaster relief fund was created to assist horses impacted by devastating natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. The outreach and generosity of the equestrian community to support the ongoing emergency assistance in this and future disasters allows us to provide direct financial assistance to the groups involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.”
The support of the local community has also been overwhelming during this disaster with ordinary citizens risking their own lives to rescue dogs, cats, horses, livestock and even bats! Fellow equestrians across the affected area have opened up their own barns to offer shelter, something that will be in constant demand as flood waters continue to rise.
According to the US Equestrian Facebook page, an incredible $50,000 has been raised in the past 24 hours! You can make a contribution to the USEF Disaster Relief Fund here. 100% of the donations will go to the Houston SPCA and other regional equine disaster relief efforts.
H/T to HorseChannel.com
Featured Image via Facebook/Houston SPCA
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