AHA and Animal Planet Rescue Arrive to Help on Staten Island

American Humane Association
Wednesday, 26 September 2001

The American Humane Association (AHA) and Animal Planet Rescue have arrived in Staten Island to support the on-going recovery effort taking place at the Staten Island landfill. Rescue International, which is coordinating volunteer canine recovery teams for the New York Police Department, requested that AHA bring an emergency animal relief team and Animal Planet Rescue to help shelter and care for recovery dogs.

As the FBI and New York City police assist in recovering evidence and personal effects from the landfill, AHA will use the Animal Planet Rescue rig to provide shelter, decontamination services, and immediate triage for recovery dogs. According to a report filed this morning by Ben Drotar, who is coordinating AHA's efforts at the Staten Island site, Animal Planet Rescue has acted as the decontamination site for two dogs so far. Drotar expects this number to significantly increase as the recovery operation continues. Dogs are currently working from 7 a.m. through 3 a.m., on three to four day shifts per team.

Rescue International will be using Animal Planet Rescue as their central command post — coordinating communication, dispatch, and relief efforts for the assigned recovery teams. Currently, volunteers from law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams from across the country make up the canine recovery teams working at the Staten Island landfill.

A Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT) headed by Dr. Lorna Lamin, is on board Animal Planet Rescue, providing the medical care, stabilization, and decontamination services to rescue dogs.

"We want to play a part in helping the families affected by this tragedy come to some sort of closure," stated Dr. Lynn Anderson, Vice-President, AHA's Animal Protection Services. "Our help is needed now and indefinitely, and we are committed to providing as much support to Rescue International, the FBI, and the NYPD as possible. "

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