AAEP Foundation accepting aid for horses

LEXINGTON, KY. — The Equine Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation (AAEPF), is accepting donations to help horses in Texas and Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ike.

Donations will go to credible programs and organizations helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts in the recent hurricane's aftermath, and toward any future disasters, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) says.

The Equine Disaster Relief Fund was used after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005 to benefit the health and welfare of horses and assist with emergency and disaster-preparedness programs. Funds will be directed in similar ways this time.

"The AAEP, AAEP Foundation and the equine veterinary community are saddened by the tragic loss of life and incredible destruction and flooding caused by Hurricane Ike," says Eleanor Green, DVM, Dipl.ACVIM, Dipl. ABVP and AAEP's president. "We are compelled to reach out, together with our members, horse owners and industry leaders, as part of the effort to support the human and equine victims of this disaster."

Visit www.aaepfoundation.org for more information or to download a donation form, or call 1-800-443-0177. Or, tax-deductible donations can be mailed to AAEP Foundation Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP Foundation, 4075 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Ky. 40511.