A procedure for bringing all animal rescue groups together to better coordinate animal rescue efforts was discussed at the January meeting of the Tangipahoa Chapter of the Humane Society.

Chapter President Randy Stegall said several organized groups and individuals in the parish rescue abused and neglected animals.

He said bringing the resources of those entities together, rather than each responding on its own, would improve the effectiveness of animal rescue.

The attempt to coordinate the programs will continue, Stegall said. The local chapter would try to participate in the Katrina Lifeline Program out of New York State.

He said the program accepts puppies from Louisiana to be adopted out to New York residents.

“Some states have strict laws requiring spaying and neutering, so they don’t have as many puppies available for adoption as we do in Louisiana,” Stegall said. “They accept puppies from down here, spay and neuter them, and put them up for adoption. It’s a good program.”

Linda Stegall said the chapter wants to eventually look into having a mandatory spay and neuter program adopted for Louisiana.

“But that would be years down the line,” she said.

An attempt will be made to expand the chapter’s responsible pet ownership program being presented in public schools, Randy Stegall said. The first program was held at Loranger Elementary School and was a big success. He said students raised $167 for the Humane Society, and are now planning a pet food drive.

He said the chapter’s next meeting will be in April on a date to be announced.

Stegall said the chapter thanks the Ponchatoula American Legion for the use of its hall for meetings.