LIVESTOCK SHELTERS OPEN IN ALABAMA IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE MICHAEL
By Amy Belcher, (334) 240-7126
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Hurricane Michael is expected to strike Florida’s Panhandle 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 (ACES), Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), 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’s State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier has been in contact with Florida’s State Veterinarian, Dr. 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 opened earlier today. If additional shelters become necessary or if other facilities become available, updates will be posted at agi.alabama.gov/hurricaneshelteringfacilities.
Campground facilities at the coliseum are not available at this time, but if any become open, notification will be made on the department’s website.
Please contact the facility to confirm that space is available before your arrival.These shelters are only equipped for livestock, not pets or companion animals such as dogs or cats.
Available shelters include:
State Emergency Livestock Shelter at Garrett Coliseum
1555 Federal Drive
Montgomery, AL 36107
Contact: Randy Stephenson or Connie
(334) 356-6866
Randolph County Equine and Ag Center
(near the junction of Hwy 431 and County Rd 42)
2959 County Road 33
Wedowee, AL 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’s important livestock owners 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 to have proof of ownership for all animals.
- Supplies for temporary identification of animals, such as plastic neckbands and permanent markers to label animals with the owner’s name, address and telephone number.
- Handling equipment such as halters and appropriate tools for each 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.