This is a sad, sad, sad story! I am from Louisiana. I live about 70 miles away from St. Bernard Parish. This is so awful. I feel bad for those people who unwillingly left their pets behind and their pets. I heard almost two days prior to Katrina hitting Mayor Ray Nagin begging people to get out of town. He said specifically "The results of this storm will be catastrophic---we live in a soup bowl." I am sad to say that I too evacuated during Katrina and Rita and as I was leaving I saw many, many, many dogs tied up in backyards of homes or on the porch. When I returned home there were many dogs without a place to go, just wandering around. That is no reason to shot and kill them, its not the animals fault. I am glad to say that many local shelters, volunteers, and vet clinics took care of these abandoned pets and tried to place them back with their owners. LSU vet school had such a large turnout of animals (dogs, cats, birds, horses, snakes, etc.) that it was unbelievable. I just know that I would never leave without my puppy. I am so saddened that this actually happened in our day and age. Although I will try not to focus on the negatives, but pray that people will plan more for the next storm. I also hope that these deputies pay any and all consequences for their actions. |