La Plata County Humane Society Operates as a Model Shelter During the Missionary Ridge Fire

American Humane Association
Friday, 21 June 2002

The Missionary Ridge fires have destroyed 58,976 acres, 33 homes, and 26 other structures and continue to pose a threat to residents, but the La Plata County Humane Society is making sure evacuated animals in the area are cared for properly. The humane society is successfully rescuing and housing hundreds of animals, thanks to organization and help from the community. And it is still operating business as usual -- taking in surrenders, facilitating adoptions, and performing surgeries.

Today, society officials are visiting Red Cross shelters to take lists of animals from evacuated people who left animals behind and will also do welfare checks by request. So far, the La Plata County Humane Society has taken in over 64 dogs, 40 cats, seven turtles, seven fish, 15 horses and one donkey. The humane society's organized system has ensured that all animals have been identified and their owners located. Workers have also moved 160 horses away from the danger of their summer grounds to safe, winter ranches. The humane society's foster family program, which arranges temporary adoptive housing and care, has taken in 90% of the animals rescued.

"We have our foster family program down to a science in how we categorize the animals with people so that the animals we receive aren't in the lobby for more than 15 minutes. The animals that come here have already been traumatized enough, so it's important that we quickly find the right match," says Tonya Kahler, director of animal services for La Plata County.

Last year, the foster family program saved the lives of nearly 400 animals that would otherwise have been euthanized. Kahler recommends other shelters implement a similar type of program in their communities and encourages people to volunteer to be foster parents.

"The community has been extremely supportive in everything ranging from foster families to volunteering to answer our phones," Kahler says. Other organizations have come to the aid of La Plata County, including the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies (CFAWA) and American Humane. These organizations have been helping arrange and pay for lodging and transportation for trained animal rescue volunteers. Wal-Mart has steadily donated supplies, such as food and crates.

Residents of La Plata County should contact the humane society if they have lost or found pets due to the fires. The humane society can be reached at (970) 259-2847 during their normal office hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 10 am to 4 pm, Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday. During times of disaster and mandatory evacuation, the shelter is open until midnight. The humane society is located at 1111 S. Camino Del Rio (Just north of Wal-Mart), Durango, CO 81301.

American Humane 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 Missionary Ridge fires.

Anyone wishing to help animal agencies board and care for pets and livestock affected by the Colorado fires may do so by donating money to the Colorado Animal Emergency Relief Fund. People should make their checks payable to "Dumb Friends League." Write "Colorado Animal Emergency Relief Fund" on the check and mail it to Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO 80231.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the only national organization dedicated to both child and animal protection. Headquartered in Denver, with regional offices in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, American Humane provides national leadership in the development of programs and policies, empowering child and animal protection professionals with valuable information and support resources.

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