Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Assists Disaster in Joplin

Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association, Inc. Executive Director Todd Cramer spent 5 days at the Joplin Humane Society's temporary animal shelter in Joplin, MO. He assisted with the animal response headed up by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with support from the American Humane Association and other humane organizations.

Although not damaged by the recent tornado, the disaster left the Joplin Humane Society overwhelmed with animals in need and short on staff to rescue and care for them. At the request of the ASPCA, animal welfare organizations and community volunteers came together to support the rescue effort.

The Joplin Humane Society is linked to New Jersey through their Executive Director, Karen Aquino, who was once the Executive Director at the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees and a former President of the Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey. Her step-daughter, Rachel Markham, perished in the storm and the ASPCA has named a grant in her honor. "Karen Aquino is a friend and has been a great leader in New Jersey. It is important to Noah's Ark to extend a hand to our colleagues, their communities and the animals when they need us", said Cramer.

To date, more than 1,100 animals have been rescued and nearly 400 pets have been reunited with their caregivers.

The Joplin Humane Society is in need of gift cards and monetary donations. You can give online at www.joplinhumane.org or at www.noahsarknj.org and please specify the donation is for J.H.S. Thank you.