Koi Records has announced plans to release The Louisiana SPCA Benefit Compilation. Organizer Mark explained the motivations behind the compilation:

Like everyone, I was horrified at the images and stories coming from the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, especially those regarding the plight of the animal shelters and the lost, missing and drowned pets forced to be left behind. Then I heard that the Louisiana SPCA was under 9ft of water in New Orleans - so i decided to pull together a compilation album to raise money for the rebuilding of their animal shelter.

Bands who are contributing tracks include Kill Your Idols, Ensign, Most Precious Blood, H2O, Cattle Decapitation, Good Riddance, Cipher and many others. The compilation will be released as 1000 coloured vinyl double LPs with a gatefold sleeve and will include information and stickers from PETA, Best Friends Animal Society and SNAPUS.

All proceeds will be contributed to the LASPCA to go towards the rebuilding of the shelter. It is expected later this month.

Update: Due to legal problems, the compilation will not bear the name of the charity or even refer to the proceeds. Mark wrote that "the LASPCA will almost certainly not have the resources to handle all the legal implications of endorsing a fund raiser right now. also, just recently there has been an influx of scams with many unscrupulous people raising money for Katrina/Rita related charities under false pretenses. The government is attempting a major clamp down. " The compilation will go forward with slightly different artwork.