Photo courtesy of ADAI
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, Alabama Farmers Federation, 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 State Veterinarian Tony Frazier has been in contact with Florida’s State Veterinarian, 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 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. If these facilities reach maximum capacity or if additional sheltering facilities become available, updates will be posted at agi.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: rcagcenter@yahoo.com
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:
- Current list of all animals, including their records of feeding, vaccinations and tests. Make sure that you have proof of ownership for all animals.
- 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.
- Handling equipment such as halters and appropriate tools for each kind of animal.
- 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 ben.mullins@agi.alabama.gov.