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Community Corner

Shelter Animals are Secure, Animals in Homes are Most in Need During Hurricane

Animals in local shelters are safe, area shelter directors insist. Keeping animals in homes secure is the main concern.

Wendy Tarlow's email was urgent.

"These are house cats," she wrote Thursday. "They were indoor cats, who have been left behind. Now, they live right by the water in Mastic Beach. They may not survive this hurricane,"

Tarlow recently found five abandoned cats near her home and has since been working to find shelter for them. Now, with , Tarlow's concern for the felines is growing.

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Tarlow is just one of the many animal lovers worried about the safety of domestic animals and livestock that will face the hurricane.

Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton will be taking extra precautions this weekend to ensure the safety of the dogs and cats at the shelter.

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"Extra water and food is on hand as well as an emergency generator and sump pumps as the buildings are located on the Peconic River and certain areas are subject to flooding," Pam Green, executive director of Kent Animal Shelter said. Green also said the shelter would have emergency caretakers in place for the weekend.

Kent as well as the Riverhead Animal Shelter and the North Fork Animal Welfare League insisted that the animals at each shelter would be safe during the storm.       

"Our animals here are safe. They are in their home, and they have a safe place to go," said Gillian Wood Pultz, executive director of the North Fork Animal Welfare League. "Our concern is with animals in people's homes, with people being unprepared."

Pultz advised owners of livestock to attach duck tape with the owner's name, phone number and address written on it to the animal's harness or any other tag permanently worn by the animal. If fences go down and the animals escape, they can then be identified and returned to their owners.

The Suffolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued a press advisory for pet care during the hurricane. The organization advised pet owners to have the following items on hand prior to the storm hitting on Sunday:

  •  at least a 5-7 day supply of pet food and bottled water
  •  a two week supply of medication with dosage instructions
  •  a flashlight with extra batteries
  •  food and water bowls
  •  a can opener and spoon for canned food, if necessary
  •  a cage or carrier for smaller animals
  •  an extra collar, leash or harness for larger animals
  •  a litter box, litter and a scoop (for cats)
  •  plastic trash bags, paper towels, soap and bleach (for waste)
  •  comfort items (such as bedding, toys or pet treats)
  •  latex glove (for handling waste)
  •  blanket or sheet to cover cages
  •  first aid kit

Local animal rescue group, Last Chance Animal Rescue Foundation advised pet owners on Thursday to make sure to take pets with them if they are forced to evacuate.

A message posted on the group’s website read, “If you are forced to evacuate your home, don't leave your pet behind. Find out if any local hotels take pets. Call area veterinarians and kennels who might board your pet."

Riverhead Town Chief of Police David Hegermiller said on Thursday that will most likely be set up in Yaphank.

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