Humane Society of Fremont County Handling Lost/Found Pets Resulting from the Iron Mountain Fires

American Humane Association
Thursday, 6 June 2002

American Humane Association Organizing Donations

Although the Iron Mountain fires are nearly extinguished, misplaced dogs and cats remain a problem. Thomas Cameron, Manager of Operations for the Humane Society of Fremont County, is asking residents of Canon City to contact the humane society if they have lost or found pets due to the fires. The humane society can be reached at 719-275-0663 during their normal office hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The humane society is located at 110 Rhoades Ave, Canon City, CO 81212. Residents who need to leave a message after-hours may call the American Humane Association's Red Star Emergency Services at 800-227-4645, ext. 608.

Reports indicate that fires have ravaged 4,400 acres in and around Canon City, wiping out 100 homes and 100 structures, and leaving many families and their pets homeless. So far, the Humane Society of Fremont County has taken in 20 dogs and one cat affected by the fires. All but seven of these animals have been identified and their owners located.

Cameron says the humane society will continue to provide sanctuary for cats and dogs affected by the fire for at least another two weeks. During this time, the society will continue to take in stray animals but will not be accepting owner surrenders.

"During a normal week, we receive approximately 14 animals each day that are owner surrenders," says Cameron. "With the fires causing so many homeless pets, we temporarily cannot accept these animals. We know this will be an inconvenience for some residents, and we ask the community to bear with us until we are back on our normal operating schedule, which should be by the end of the month."

The American Humane Association (AHA) encourages all pet owners to provide their pets with current ID tags. Tags should include your pet's name, your name, your phone number and a friend or relative's phone number, and any special health requirements. Having your pets properly identified can mean the difference between life and death during unforeseen events, like the Iron Mountain fires. For a free brochure on how to prepare your pets for disasters, please contact Anna Gonce at AHA at 800-227-4645, ext. 462.

AHA and the Denver Dumb Friends League are each contributing $1,000 to purchase hay for livestock left homeless by the fires. Anyone wishing to contribute monetary donations for animals affected by the fire may do so by contacting AHA at the same number. Media inquiries should be directed to Anna Gonce at 303-925-9462 or at annag@americanhumane.org.

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the nation's only national organization dedicated to child and animal protection.

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