FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — MAY 22, 2013 — Relief organizations responding to equine emergencies in the aftermath of destructive storms, fires, floods or other natural disasters are eligible for funding from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation.

As part of its mission to improve the welfare of horses, the AAEP Foundation accepts year-round funding requests to assist organizations responding to disasters affecting the equine community, including those involved with developing and implementing equine disaster preparedness programs and efforts. Organizations working to help horses in areas devastated by severe weather or other natural disasters can apply for funding from the Foundation’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund at http://www.aaep.org/foundation_funding_grants.htm.

After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, the AAEP Foundation created an Equine Disaster Relief Fund to aid horses in the event of a natural disaster. Since the fund was established, the AAEP Foundation has donated emergency funds to support the Mounted Division of the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Veterinary Medical Association’s Equine Committee Foundation, the Mississippi State Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Disaster Relief Fund, hay and feed programs in the Gulf region, and support for emergency preparedness programs at the University of Florida and Texas A&M Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, among others.

In addition, the Foundation welcomes donations for its Equine Disaster Relief Fund to help accommodate the potential needs of equine and veterinary communities impacted by storms and natural disasters. To make a donation, visit the AAEP Foundation website at www.aaepfoundation.org.

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of the horse. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated nearly $2.5 million to support its mission.