MuttShack Katrina Animal Rescue Appalled At Reports Of Shootings

MuttShack Kat Dogs Calendar to Support Arrest Reward Fund of St Bernard Massacre A heartwarming collection of rescued Katrina animals adorns the calendar put together by MuttShack Katrina Animal Rescue, the sale of which will supplement the combined reward of $30,000 being offered by Pasado's Safe Haven and PuppymillRescue for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the St. Bernard animal massacre, in New Orleans. The calendar includes a poignant picture of a dog photographed at the school. The St. Bernard massacre occurred after local law enforcement officials evacuated St. Bernard residents and their pets to three schools in St. Bernard Parish: St. Bernard High School, Beauregard Middle School, and Sebastien Roy Elementary School. A few days later, law enforcement officials returned and ordered the residents to evacuate the schools and leave their pets behind; some were ordered to do so at gunpoint. The officials reassured the evacuees that their pets would be safe and that Animal Rescue would come for them, so owners reluctantly left their dogs, cats, birds and other loved ones with food, water and treats. Some wrote messages on the walls and chalkboards to help rescuers identify their pets and facilitate reuniting them. Some asked rescuers to find their pets a good home, while others simply asked that no one shoot them. Tragically, someone did shoot their pets before rescuers could arrive, killing 33 dogs and two cats. "It is inconceivable to us as volunteers how some humans can be so uncaring and in many instances cruel to helpless animals," said Amanda St John, founder of MuttShack Animal Rescue, "Particularly under the conditions we have experienced here in New Orleans and surrounding Gulf areas where animals have suffered as much and in many cases, even more than their human owners. MuttShack volunteers have shed many tears, but the travesty of this St. Bernard massacre is beyond tears - this is anger. And we look forward to the time when the perpetrators have been brought to justice." According to MuttShack reporter Lorraine Chittock, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens identified the shell-casings as being consistent with those used by law enforcement. "We'll get to the bottom of this. If it's one of our officers, we'll let the cards fall where they may." said Sheriff Stephens. The Louisiana Attorney General's Office in Baton Rouge, LA is in charge of the investigation. The calendar will raise awareness and resources to investigate and prosecute this crime. For more details about the St. Bernard Massacre, the calendar and MuttShack Katrina Animal Rescue, click on the links in this article that will take you to the relevant pages.