With Hurricane Matthew approaching Florida’s east coast, state agencies have been in contact with Florida ag departments to confirm temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock including horses and cattle.

“We stand ready to assist our neighbors in any way we can as Hurricane Matthew sets its sights on Florida’s Atlantic coast,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan.

Andalusia’s Covington Center Arena is among five facilities in the state that are open and equipped for livestock.

No pets such as cats and dogs.

Don Bullard said if any of the evacuees from South Florida need somewhere for their horses, the stables and hook-ups at the Covington Center Arena are available.

Bullard said many people who move horses, travel with livestock trailers that have living quarters.

“We have space available if they need it,” Bullard said.

Bullard said the images of horses that stood in deep water during the Louisiana flooding earlier this year were disturbing, and prompted him to make local space available.

A press release from McMillan’s office said to contact the Covington Center Arena at 504-2717 to confirm space is available.