Boots on the Ground to Help Horses, Animals Affected by Deadly Arkansas Tornados
Image courtesy of Faulkner County SPCA.
By: Brittany Bevis
A deadly line of tornados leveled towns and communities across the central and southern United States on Sunday evening leaving a path of utter destruction in its wake. Areas like Mississippi, Kansas, Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma were hit. With an additional round of storms that struck the area on Monday, the latest news reports are estimating the death toll is nearing 30.
The area of Mayflower and Vilonia in Arkansas was among the hardest hit with nearly 15 deaths reported thus far. We reached out to the Faulkner County SPCA, an organization that’s assisting local authorities with the coordination of animal rescue efforts in Vilonia to get their assessment of the situation.
“Most of the farms and ranches have sustained heavy damage, and there are numerous equine that did not make it through the storms,”
says a Faulkner County SPCA representative. “Those that we are assisting have deep lacerations or have been impaled [by objects]. Our vet is working hard to care for everyone free of charge.”
With no electric and limited Wifi service in the area, phone lines are backing up with urgent requests for information about lost animals and offers of help from the local community. At this time, the best way for the public to help is by giving online to the Faulkner County SPCA via PayPal at onedog2many@msn.com.
If you live in the area and would prefer to drop off items, supplies like tarps, tents, crates, dog kennels, dog food, cat food, horse feed, medical supplies, bandages, tape, gauze, soft towels or baby blankets, gas cards, and gift cards are needed. Physical donations can be dropped off at the Faulkner County Sheriff Office, which is located at 80 Locust St. in Conway. Checks may be sent to Faulkner County SPCA at 4 Gail Lane Conway, AR 72034.
If you are trying to locate a lost animal, the Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network has created a Facebook group entitled Pets Lost & Found From Arkansas Tornado (April 27, 2014).
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by these deadly storms, and our appreciation and gratitude goes out to the countless volunteers who have donated their time and finances to help.
