Daily Star Staff Writer

Donations and requests for help are arriving at the Tangipahoa Parish chapter of the Humane Society of Louisiana.

An enthusiastic crowd of about 30 joined the chapter last week during the group's first meeting, President Randy Stegall said.

Almost immediately, they have “gone to the dogs” - literally.

Stegall and his wife, Lynda, picked up two neglected dogs in the Spring-field area Tuesday afternoon. People have been dumping animals on a couple of residents who do not have the means and skills to care for them.

Today, the Stegalls turned over the dogs to some of the local society members for much needed care.

“The one in the picture is really skin and bones,” Lynda Stegall said of one of the two dogs. “He really needs to see a vet.”

The chapter has received donations of five Igloo dog houses and some blankets.

Most needed, however, are monetary donations to pay for veterinary care, not only for these animals but for the others that the new local Humane Society chapter will rescue.

Donors can send money to the Humane Society at P.O. Box 1743, Ponchatoula, LA 70454.

Lynda Stegall is the chapter treasurer, and Sandra Broussard is the secretary.

Memberships are $20 per person or $35 per family.

The chapter will announce its upcoming public meetings in The Daily Star. Call 1-888-6-HUMANE for details.