NEWS Media Contacts: Mary Chris Murry mcmurry@alaqua.org 404-202-6470 Sandra Ryder sandra@sandraryder.com 404-406-0842 IMMEDIATE PROGRAM TO ASSIST ANIMAL RESCUES IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE MICHAEL ANNOUNCED BY ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE FREEPORT, Fl.—October 12, 2018—A new program to extend relief to animals and their owners in the hardest-hit areas of the Florida Panhandle in the wake of Hurricane Michael is announced by Laurie Hood, President and Founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge. Located about 70 miles from the coastline where the hurricane made landfall, the refuge’s 350 animals made it through the emergency in good shape. “Our property suffered only minimal damage. Most importantly, our animals are safe and well,” said Ms. Hood. “We’re blessed, so we’re turning our focus to help others.” The threefold program is underway today and includes these focus areas: Rescue and Safe Housing Alaqua has permission from agencies in the area to search for lost, abandoned and injured animals in devastated communities. In addition to refuge for pets, temporary placement has been secured for displaced horses and farm animals. Alaqua’s team will bring supplies, search for animals and transport them, including larger animals as able, to the refuge or other locations. Alaqua’s veterinary staff, along with a team of local vets, are on stand-by to provide medical treatment. “Losing a pet during this time adds more strain to people who are already over-stressed and have little or no resources,” said Ms. Hood. “We take the animals out, provide medical treatment and keep them safe, with the goal to eventually reunite them with their owners. We work with appropriate agencies, manage the process in an organized manner, and know how to handle frightened and injured animals.” Individuals are asked to stay away from affected areas to search for animals. IMMEDIATE PROGRAM TO ASSIST ANIMAL RESCUES IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE MICHAEL ANNOUNCED BY ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE/2 How to Report Abandoned or Injured Animals Leave the message at 850-880-6694 or send an email to LHood@alaqua.org. The following information is required to coordinate with authorities and start a search: Caller’s name Best number to contact the caller Caller’s email address Exact location of animals and how many are there Additional details, i.e., is the animal injured, abandoned, restrained or running loose. Collection Point The refuge is taking donations of urgently needed items: bottled water, dog and cat food, litter, linens, cleaning products such as bleach, soap and topical cleaners. Items will be distributed to the hardest-hit areas as soon as collected and will continue until further notice. Dog and cat crates are also needed to transport animals out safely. Donation Web Site Monetary donations collected online will be used to provide fund the rescue, housing and medical treatment of animals. For full information on Alaqua’s program, please see: https://www.alaqua.org/michael/ About Laurie H. Hood Founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, Laurie Hood is an active, recognized leader in the areas of animal care, protection and advocacy. In addition to placing more than 15,000 animals in 11 years, she originated two Florida statutes (Florida Statute 828.126 and 828.12) strengthening animal rights; created the Unconditional Love program to provide trained companion dogs free of charge to PTSD patients, the elderly and special needs individuals, and offer inmates a contributing role in the process; authored a curriculum to assist law enforcement with animal abuse cases; and serves as a Vice Chair of Grey2K USA, the team that seeks to end greyhound racing. Ms. Hood is available for speaking engagements. About Alaqua Animal Refuge Located on 10 acres in Freeport, Florida, Alaqua Animal Refuge is the premier, no-kill animal shelter in Northwest Florida, providing care and sanctuary to abused and neglected animals. The facility includes animal housing, an equine center, two quarantine buildings and an infirmary operated by a full-time veterinary staff. Alaqua offers an adoption center, educational outreach and community programs, and robustly advocates for the welfare and humane treatment of animals. Alaqua is a member of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. For information visit www.alaqua.org, and join our conversations on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ###

IMMEDIATE PROGRAM TO ASSIST ANIMAL RESCUES IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE MICHAEL ANNOUNCED BY ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE