STATE AND NATIONAL AGENCIES SEEK DART
IN ANIMAL RESCUE EFFORTS
spcaLA DART Team Continues Animal Rescue Efforts
Los Angeles CA – For the fourth day in a row, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles’ (spcaLA) Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) continues its animal rescue efforts as a result of the La Canada and Station fires.
Today, DART’s assistance was requested by several state and national agencies including Office of Emergency Services, United States Forestry Service, and the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department. The multiple calls included evacuation assistance for dogs, roosters, and horses.
Alarmingly, DART responded to a call from LA County to evacuate animals at a private residence, but when DART arrived the occupants refused to leave despite the warning of county officials.
“It’s been difficult at times, but everyone is working together to help people as efficiently as possible,” said DART Team member and spcaLA humane officer Corporal Tiryn McDaniel. “People who may need to evacuate animals must realize that navigating the terrain in a horse trailer and loading large animals takes time. Don’t wait to make the call for help.”
DART is also assisting citizens in need of pet food. spcaLA provided staff and supplies to the Pasadena Humane Society where many evacuees are sheltering pets. spcaLA is on standby and will provide additional support as needed.
In addition, spcaLA’s Pet Hotel in Long Beach is waiving the $75 donation fee for fire victims who wish to board their pets. Please call for boarding rates and availability 562-570-3079.
spcaLA’s DART contains a full communications system capable of monitoring and dispatching emergency services. This unit can serve as an information resource to residents and the media; provide temporary housing, food and medical care to animals; and function as a support system to aid and assist local, state, and national animal control agencies. DART is entirely funded by the generous support of spcaLA donors without whom disaster response would not be possible.
spcaLA strongly recommends pet owners prepare for an emergency by following simple guidelines to ensure their pet’s safety in the event of an urgent situation or natural disaster:
· Make sure there is a supply of canned/dry pet food and bottled water with other emergency provisions including pet prescriptions and medicines. If you have a dog, include a muzzle some state/federal rescue operations require them if you use their services to evacuate.
- If roads are blocked due to a natural disaster, professional help may not be possible immediately so familiarize yourself and other family members with pet CPR, resuscitation and general first aid procedures. Your quick action could save your pet’s life.
- Try not to display stress and anxiety when dealing with pets. Most animals are very aware of their owner’s emotions and can read your stress. This can cause otherwise calm pets to display aggressive behavior.
- Continuously check pet structures and favorite hiding places for hazardous debris.
- Dogs and cats should wear I.D. tags with current address and/or phone number at all times, in addition to being micro-chipped. This will make it easier for you and your pet to be reunited if separated.
- Keep up-to-date on your pet's vaccinations. Pets may become disoriented and stray, or housed in shelters with other animals, thereby potentially becoming exposed to infectious diseases.
- Alert local shelters immediately upon discovering that your pet is missing.
- Visit your local spcaLA Pet Adoption Center or ask your local fire department, animal shelter or veterinarian for a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows or make your own by listing your pets on 3x5 cards and display it prominently. Purchase the "Animal Evacuated" sign through spcaLA to alert authorities that all pets have been removed to ensure the emergency teams respond where they are needed.
