The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund is accepting aid to help horses in states affected by Hurricane Harvey. Fund donations will be distributed among credible programs and organizations that are helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath, and toward preparedness efforts for future disasters, said the organization in a statement. The foundation will work with agencies and veterinary members in Texas, Louisiana, and other affected states to identify the needs of the equine community. Supplies are not being accepted currently as the catastrophic storm is still occurring. Once the foundation receives an assessment of need and distribution protocols from the agencies and veterinary members in the afflicted areas, it will work to support them with supply needs as well. “The AAEP, [its] foundation, and the equine veterinary community are saddened by the tragic loss of life and incredible destruction and flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey,” said R. Reynolds Cowles, Jr., DVM, AAEP president. “We are compelled to reach out, together with our members, horse owners, and industry leaders, as part of the effort to support the disaster’s equine victims.” To support the impending needs of these equine victims, please donate online at here. Donations by mail can be sent to Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP Foundation, 4033 Iron Works Pkwy., Lexington, KY 40511. To offer assistance with supplies or other resources, email Keith Kleine at kkleine@aaep.org for further instructions. Call (800) 443-0177 (U.S. only) or (859) 233-0147 for more information.
