Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Hurricane Michael

Matt Boster

Viewed: 2728

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Oct 08 2018 6:11 PM

MONTGOMERY, Ala. –Hurricane Michael is expected to strike Florida’s Panhandle on Wednesday. In preparation for this intense storm, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA),  Alabama Horse Council and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock including horses and cattle. “Hurricane Michael has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm bringing maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. This storm has the capability of causing strong winds and heavy rains which could produce severe flooding and endanger livestock in the area where it makes landfall. We stand ready to assist our neighbors in Florida, by providing a place for those who need shelter for their livestock,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan.

 

Alabama’s State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier has been in contact with Florida’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Michael Short, in planning for the potential evacuation of certain livestock and animals. Animals moving in response to evacuation orders will be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection.

 

The Garrett Coliseum located at 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL 36107 will open at 7:30 am tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. If these facilities reach maximum capacity or if additional sheltering facilities become available, updates will be posted atagi.alabama.gov/hurricaneshelteringfacilities. Unfortunately, campground facilities are not available at this time. If any campground facilities do become available, notification will be made on the department’s website. These shelters are only equipped to shelter livestock, not pets or companion animals such as dogs or cats. Please contact the facility to confirm that space is available prior to your arrival.

 

Available shelters include:

 

State Emergency Livestock Shelter at Garrett Coliseum

1555 Federal Drive

Montgomery, AL 36107

Contact: Randy Stephenson or Connie

334-356-6866

www.thegarrettcoliseum.com

 

Randolph County Equine and Ag Center

near the junction of Hwy 431 and County Rd 42

2959 County Road 33

Wedowee, Alabama 36278

Contact: Gregg Norred

256-610-2011

email: [email protected]

 

Alabama A&M Agribition Center

4925 Moore’s Mill Rd

Huntsville, AL 35811

Contact: Robert Spencer

Day: 256-859-5458

Night: 256-689-0274

*Will need to bring own shavings, water buckets, feed, etc.

 

When evacuating, it is important for livestock owners to be prepared to care for their animals while they are away. Please be sure to bring the following items with you:

 

l Current list of all animals, including their records of feeding, vaccinations, and tests. Make sure that you have proof of ownership for all animals.

l Supplies for temporary identification of your animals, such as plastic neckbands and permanent markers to label your animals with your name, address, and telephone number.

l Handling equipment such as halters and appropriate tools for each kind of animal.

l Water, feed, and buckets. Tools and supplies needed for sanitation.

 

For questions or concerns about sheltering livestock during hurricane evacuation, contact ADAI Emergency Programs at 334-240-7278 or email [email protected].

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