spcaLA’s DART TEAM RESPONDS
RANCHO PALOS VERDES FIRE
Los Angeles – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) deployed the Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) to the Rancho Palos Verdes fire last night. DART assisted with large animal rescue and relocation.
DART responded to the fire yesterday evening and removed horses from private residencies in Rolling Hills Estates as requested by their owners. The horses have been relocated to a local stable out of harm’s way. DART will be on alert until this fire is contained as well as the remainder of fire season.
“We are happy to assist LA County Fire Department to rescue animals,” said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein. “Because DART is equipped with trailers for large animals, we are able to transport horses, plus our team is highly skilled in horse-handling and equipped with disaster response experience.”
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.
