More than two weeks have passed since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, and hundreds of dehydrated and starving animals reportedly wait on rooftops, in attics, on the streets and in hiding — alone and abandoned. The logistical and moral issues related to the evacuation and rescue of people and their companion animals have created a nightmare in the areas hit by Hurricane Katrina. It took over a week for the corporate media to begin reporting on the fate of animals in the Katrina disaster. While animal welfare organizations and volunteers have undertaken animal rescue — and were mobilized before the storm even hit — these workers have faced numerous obstacles from the National Guard, FEMA and other agencies. These include being denied entry into certain areas, and not being allowed to break into houses despite written requests from pet owners to rescue the animals trapped inside.

Many people have been separated from their companion animals, and others have refused to leave their homes because they are not ensured security for the animals. Many people who were rescued from floodwaters were forced to leave behind their beloved animal companions. Many have heard the story of the dog "Snowball", taken by a police officer from the arms of a little boy who was waiting for a bus to the Houston Astrodome. The boy cried until he vomited. A man at the Superdome reported being forced to leave his cat, understanding that he would be arrested if he did not. Many poor pet owners were unable to evacuate the city prior to the hurricane. After people have refused to leave their animals behind, they have faced armed police and threats of arrest under mandatory evacuation order. Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle and others have declared that a national animal-rescue policy is needed.

In some areas, the army has reportedly begun to assist with rescue efforts but it is unclear as to whether this is policy or if this is a voluntary effort of a small number of soldiers. Many National Guard soldiers have been upset at the current orders to specifically not rescue animals. Other law enforcement has not been so kind, as a sheriff in the town of St. Bernard's Parish was caught on videotape shooting stranded dogs in the street.

Rescue efforts continue — despite shortages of volunteers and supplies — and some people have been trying to keep animals alive until their owners are able to return or they can be rescued. They have reportedly been leaving food and water for animals in the street, and trying to leave food in as many houses as possible where animals have been witnessed or reported, to keep them alive. Animal advocates urge that people call the individuals and agencies who could help to make animal rescue more of a priority. People in the Bay Area have been taking in animals from the Gulf Coast — some 550 rescued dogs began arriving in Marin County this week and are to be housed throughout the Bay Area.

Updates: September 19th from Gonzales Shelter | Alert from HSUS | Time Is Running Out | September 13th Update | September 9th Roundup of Animal Coverage | September 8th Media Report | September 2nd Report

What You Can Do to Help: Begging for Help in Gonzales | Volunteers Needed in Gonzales, LA | Bay Area Shelters Needing Your Help | Kinship Circle | Pasado's Safe Haven | Noah's Wish | Best Friends | Humane Society of the United States | Helping Animals | PetFinder.com | United Animal Nations | Contact Government Officials and the Corporate Media

More Indybay Coverage of Katrina and Its Aftermath