Temporary Suspension of Livestock Movement Restrictions and Shelter Openings in Face of Hurricane Michael
Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced the temporary suspension of intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals from the areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Michael. Additionally, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets and livestock.
“By suspending the movement requirements for the transportation of animals, we can ensure that Floridians and visitors can quickly and safely move their pets and livestock out of harm’s way,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.
During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
Georgia Dept. of Agriculture
Animal interstate movement requirements for entry into Georgia are temporarily suspended for the transportation of animals from areas affected by Hurricane Michael in Florida and Alabama. The suspension of entry requirements applies to animals entering Georgia from Florida and Alabama only.
In an effort to facilitate the evacuation efforts in Florida and Alabama, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has temporarily suspended interstate movement requirements for animals evacuating due to Hurricane Michael. This temporary suspension does not apply to normal animal movement that is unaffected by Hurricane Michael.
This suspension is temporary and will expire on October 25, 2018, unless it is rescinded or extended.
More information can be found at: http://agr.georgia.gov/animal-industry-division.aspx
Alabama Department of Agriculture
MONTGOMERY, Ala. –Hurricane Michael is expected to strike Florida’s Panhandle on 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 1 storm but is forecast to make landfall as a Category 3 storm. (UPDATE- making landfall as category 4) 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 at 7:30 am Tuesday, Oct. 9th, 2018. If these facilities reach maximum capacity or if additional sheltering facilities become available, updates will be posted at agi.alabama.gov/hurricaneshelteringfacilities. Unfortunately, campground facilities are not available at this time. If any campground facilities do become available, notification will be made on the department’s website. These shelters are only equipped to shelter livestock, not pets or companion animals such as dogs or cats. Please contact the facility to confirm that space is available prior to your arrival.
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, Alabama 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 is important for livestock owners to 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 that you have proof of ownership for all animals.
- Supplies for temporary identification of your animals, such as plastic neckbands and permanent markers to label your animals with your name, address, and telephone number.
- Handling equipment such as halters and appropriate tools for each kind of 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.
