Allan Schwartz, vice president of Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) from Lisbon, Md., was reached by cell phone this afternoon (Sept. 7) in Mississippi. While service was spotty, he managed to give a brief account of what had been happening with his rescue team.

“It’s devastation like I’ve never seen,” he said. “It’s beyond words. We are winding up with thousands and thousands of dead animals. Dogs, cats, everything.”

“We got teamed up with crew from USEF (U.S. Equestrian Federation) last night,” said Schwartz. “These guys are turning out to be a kick-ass resource for us. They are able–because of Army connections–to open some taps and get stuff in.”

The group was working in Hancock County, where the human death toll has yet to be tallied, but some reports say it could reach 600. He said the storm damage is extensive, and the storm surge was incredible