Evacuated and Deserted Animals Receive Help During Arizona Rodeo-Chediski Fires

American Humane Association
Tuesday, 25 June 2002

With fires still threatening Show Low, Arizona, the town's 7,700 inhabitants have been evacuated, leaving many pets and farm animals stranded.

Since late Saturday night, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) has received hundreds of calls from Show Low residents who abandoned their family pets during the evacuation.

To cope with the high volume of stranded animals, AHS, assisted by American Humane, the Humane Society of the United States, and United Animal Nation, has set up temporary shelters at Round Valley High School in Eagar; Holbrook High School; the "Paws in the Park" dog park in Payson; and the AHS Sunnyslope facility at 9226 N. 13th Ave. in Phoenix, which is also taking pets from evacuees as a last resort. Horses and other livestock are being taken to the Holbrook fairgrounds. Evacuees who need assistance with their pets can call the 24-hour AHS hotline at (602) 997-7585, ext. 2084.

Rescue efforts began Saturday when rescue and veterinary personnel accompanied firefighters with the National Forest Service into Pinedale. They were able to save 14 dogs and cats -- most suffering from smoke inhalation and dehydration. However, rescuers reported seeing "numerous" family pets killed by the fire.

American Humane's Red Star Emergency Services was called into action on Sunday to augment AHS' existing disaster plan after two Arizona wildfires merged, resulting in the state's largest fire in history.

Relying on a web of trained National Responders and the state-of-the-art Animal Planet Rescue Rig, American Humane's Director of Red Star Emergency Services Ben Drotar deployed two strike teams in conjunction with AHS to provide rescue services and animal care. Two vehicles, escorted by the National Forest Service, were deployed to check on deserted animals.

Because space at AHS facilities in Phoenix is compromised by this disaster, AHS is urging those who feel the need to surrender their pets to think twice.

"Especially now we need Valley pet owners to be responsible and ensure care for their pets," says Kim Noetzel, AHS vice president of marketing and community relations. "To preserve kennel space for the pets of evacuees, we are asking residents at this time to take unwanted and stray pets to other shelters in the Valley."

AHS has received an abundance of pet supplies but is in great need of monetary donations. Anyone wishing to help may send donations to: The AHS Wildfire Rescue Fund, 1521 W. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85041.

American Humane urges pet owners -- especially those living in severe fire hazard areas -- to provide all pets with current ID tags. Tags should include the pet's name, the owner's name and telephone number, a friend or relative's telephone number, and any special health requirements. Pet owners should also create a family emergency plan that includes bringing their pets with them upon evacuation. If it is unsafe for residents to remain at home, it is unsafe for pets, as well.

The Animal Planet Rescue Rig offers state-of-the-art equipment for safe and efficient animal rescues. The custom-built semi trailer features a mobile veterinary clinic for on-site treatment; a four-wheel-drive emergency ambulance; three water rescue crafts; and a high-tech communications center with fax machines, cellular phones, and computers for up-to-the-minute contact with other emergency agencies. The truck can house 12 rescue personnel and boasts portable corrals and kennels for care of livestock, horses, and companion animals.

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