Norfolk Man to Make Third Trek to Gulf Coast Region for Rescue and Relief Mission
Local Hero Delivers Sustenance and Administers Aid to Animals Left in Katrina’s Wake

Norfolk — Local animal advocate Eric Phelps, a volunteer with the international animal protection organization, In Defense of Animals (IDA), will set off on his third trip to the Gulf Coast Region to assist with rescue efforts for animals affected by Hurricane Katrina. On two separate trips, the Wilson High School graduate brought back 22 cats and 15 dogs, some of who are available for adoption at the Norfolk SPCA. Eric will depart again Friday, November 11.

Eric is available for interviews and photos and video of animals rescued are available.

While many of the rescue organizations have pulled out of the storm ravaged areas, Phelps reports that relief is still much needed. In addition to the animals who are still trapped in homes, animals who escaped during the storm are roaming the streets in search of sustenance. Rescuers spend time setting up food and water stations and luring in frightened animals who were friendly and loving prior to the storm.

“Sadly, there are still thousands of animals there who are in desperate need,” says Phelps “It will be months, if not years, before things return to some form of normalcy, but for now, it is important that people recognize that the crisis is not over. Two months have passed and time has started to erode the sense of immediate need that people are attributing to the situation, but the truth is, there the air of desperation is still there in each and every one of the individual animals.”

IDA has established a Hurricane Katrina Animal Relief Fund to finance transportation, food for animals, and to provide veterinary care. IDA is accepting donations to support its efforts on its web site, www.IDAUSA.org, and by mail. Send checks to: Hurricane Relief, c/o In Defense of Animals, 131 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941.

For more information, please visit www.IDAUSA.org/Katrina.