JOINT INFORMATION CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2008

Department of Agriculture and Forestry News Update

Bossier Animal Control Shelter Open Only for Pets Whose Owners Have Critical Transportation Needs

BATON ROUGE -- The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said the Bossier Animal Control Shelter on Old Shed Road in Bossier City has opened and will only shelter pets whose owners have critical transportation needs.

LDAF animal health officials said the shelter has the potential to house up to 400 pets if necessary but is reserved for pets whose owners could not evacuate on their own

Reports claiming the Bossier Animal Control Shelter is being used as anything but a shelter for pets with critical transportation needs are false.

For the latest information on Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.

###