The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is coordinating temporary livestock shelters ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias, which was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall Friday evening, Oct. 9, along the Northern Gulf Coast.
The department has been working with its partners to provide temporary sheltering facilities for livestock evacuated because of the storm.
Animals being moved in response to Tropical Storm Isaias will be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection.
The shelters are intended only for livestock and cannot accommodate pets or companion animals such as dogs and cats. Livestock owners are encouraged to contact a facility before traveling to confirm that it can accommodate their animals and to learn about any specific requirements.
There is no charge for livestock owners to use the shelters, but space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Available shelters include:
Pike County Cattleman's Association
4100 US HWY 231 South
Troy, AL 36081
Contact: Dick Barnett, (334) 670-1228
Houston County Farm Center
1701 E. Cottonwood Road
Dothan, AL 36301
Contact: Tony Ellison, (334) 793-4323 ext. 104
R.H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Pavilion
Livestock owners evacuating with their animals should also prepare to provide care during their time away from home. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries recommends bringing a current list of all animals, including feeding, vaccination and testing records, as well as proof of ownership for each animal.
Owners should also bring supplies for temporarily identifying animals, including plastic neckbands and permanent markers that can be used to label animals with the owner's name, address and telephone number.
Other recommended supplies include halters and appropriate handling equipment for each type of animal, along with water, feed, buckets and tools and supplies needed for sanitation.
For questions or concerns about sheltering livestock during hurricane evacuations, contact ADAI Emergency Programs Director Taylor Ellis at (334) 240-7279 or taylor.ellis@agi.alabama.gov.
