EAR Progress Archive: New York City

American Humane Association
Thursday, 20 September 2001

The American Humane Association dispatched an emergency animal relief team and Animal Planet Rescue to the New York area shortly after the attack on the World Trade Center to help animals affected by the tragedy. While in the New York area, AHA worked to support efforts by the ASPCA and New York's Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) to help animals injured in the attacks and those animals left behind in evacuated buildings.

Through the generosity of local PETsMART stores and PETsMART Charities, AHA was able to help coordinate donation of much needed equipment and supplies to aid these efforts. This included kennels to house animals waiting to be reunited with their owners.

Animal rescuers were able to rely on the resources of Animal Planet Rescue, an 82-foot disaster relief vehicle which houses a mobile veterinary clinic, a complete command center, and a vast supply of equipment for use in rescue operations.

The American Humane Association's emergency animal relief team also worked to support the efforts of the New York Police Department's and FEMA's K-9 units searching for survivors of the WTC attack. AHA provided these teams with valuable equipment from Animal Planet Rescue, including dog and human rescue harnesses. AHA rescue personnel also trained NYPD officers and FEMA officials on the use of these harnesses and other rescue equipment.

The American Humane Association and Animal Planet Rescue left New York City on Monday, September 17 and are currently on stand-by, ready to re-enter New York City to help animals if the need arises.

AHA would like to thank Animal Planet for its quick response to the tragedies in New York and Washington. Through Animal Planet, word reached citizens across the country how to support organizations helping animals in New York City. Funds donated to AHA's emergency animal relief program during this time will go directly to those organizations in New York leading the rescue efforts.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org