AEA urges farmers to donate

Today the American Emu Association urged farmers and ranchers across the United States today to "Donate a Dollar" to the animal evacuations and recovery plans for New Orleans. "It is widely publicized that FEMA is coordinating efforts to help the human survivors, but we need to also be aware that there are pets and livestock in dire need as well," states Charles Ramey, AEA President. "According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are over two million farmers in the United States alone. We urge each of them to donate just a dollar towards animal evacuation and recovery."

Animal evacuations and recovery plans are being coordinated by the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA), the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA), and the Louisiana Animal Control Association (LACA). Financial donations are being accepted to fund the animals’ care through the Dr. Walter J. Ernst, Jr. Veterinary Memorial Foundation at the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association at 1-800-524-2996. Checks should be made payable to the: LVMA Dr. Walter J Ernst Veterinary Memorial Foundation (write Disaster Relief Fund on the memo line) and send to the LVMA, 8550 United Plaza Blvd., Suite 1001, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

"We are urging our members and other farmers to make financial contributions directly to the Foundation," said Ramey. "Funds are urgently needed to provide for these animals."

AEA has also set up a disaster relief fund to help members in the area. Donations may be made on the American Emu Association Website at http://www.aea-emu.org.

The American Emu Association is a non-profit trade association representing the emu industry. The emu industry is an alternative agricultural industry, dominated by the small farmer, who is devoted to humane and environmentally positive practices that will produce beneficial products for society.

For more information about the American Emu Association (AEA) or the emu industry visit http://www.aea-emu.org or call 541-332-0675