HSSM is Halting Intake in the Wake of a Fire at their Facility
HSSM is Halting Intake in the Wake of a Fire at their Facility
December 13, 2011—The Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) is temporarily halting intake of animals after a fire broke out in their facility around 8:00pm on Monday, December 12. There were no animals or humans harmed during the fire and HSSM is awaiting an official assessment of the damage before resuming normal intake operations.
Due to damage incurred in the intake areas of the shelter, HSSM will not be taking in any more animals until further notice. The fire began at approximately 8:00pm and the origin is thought to be a plastic laundry basket, but the cause is still being determined. The majority of the damage is specific to the intake area including water damage caused by the emergency sprinkler system, but there is residual smoke damage throughout the entire shelter.
No animals or humans were harmed in the fire and all animals have been examined by a veterinarian and are unaffected and suffering no ill effects due to the fire. HSSM’s staff and veterinary team will continue to monitor the animals to ensure their well-being.
Many of the animal-housing areas will need to be assessed for smoke damage and they will need to be emptied in order to begin repairs and/or treatment for smoke damage. HSSM will not take any further animals in until the damage can be assessed, and are looking for adopters IMMEDITAELY for each of the 170 pets currently available at the shelter. In an effort to assist in emptying the shelter, an anonymous donor has generously covered all adoption fees for the animals in our care. Until further notice all adoptions are free of charge.
In addition to the animals looking for new homes, there are 61 stray pets currently at HSSM looking to be reunited with their owners. HSSM encourages anyone who has lost a pet to come to the shelter to reclaim their pet. HSSM needs to empty as many kennels as possible in preparation for repairs.
HSSM is also facing financial damage due to the fire and is seeking monetary donations to cover the costs of insurance deductibles, additional staffing requirements, and unforeseen repair costs. Donations should be mailed to: Humane Society of South Mississippi, ATTN: Fire Recovery Fund, 2615 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501 or donations can be made by phone at 228-822-3803 or online at www.hssm.org.
“In light of what could have been a real tragedy, we are thankful that no one was harmed, both two-legged and four,” said Tara High, HSSM Executive Director, “But now we have to go down a road of recovery and like many of the challenges we have faced before, we know the community will help and support us during this time of crisis.”
Any community members wishing to assist HSSM in any way are encouraged to call 228-822-3803. HSSM
