Helpers are doing all they can to rescue and care for horses and other animals separated from their owners in the California wild fires.
The fires have caused widespread devastation in the US state, destroying tens of thousands of acres and hundreds of homes, with the human death toll on Wednesday reaching 48 while many remain missing.
Thousands of firefighters are tackling the blazes and evacuation orders are in force across areas of the state.
Individuals and social media have been instrumental in reuniting animals and their owners, while numerous organisations are helping rescue and care for those in need.
Volunteers have been working to care for animals in need at shelters and to reunite owners with lost companions.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is acting as a sanctuary for animals evacuated from their homes.
Horses Rescued From Fire Find Refuge at the HSVC
This afternoon the Humane Society of Ventura County Animal Emergency Rescue team picked up the two horses who had been rescued off a burnt down property from Humphrey Giacopuzzi & Associates Equine Hospital and transported them back to the shelter. The two horses had originally been escorted out of a burned down home in Malibu by HSVC Equine Specialist Christie Tracy, and HSVC Animal Rescue Emergency Volunteer Bennie Scorsur. The horses were transported down to Zuma beach where they were transferred to animal rescue workers, Allie Tashnek DVM, Chris Weber, and Chloe Willems, who took them to Humphrey Giacopuzzi & Associates Equine Hospital for immediate care. The horses' injuries and burns were treated at the hospital and the horses were released to the HSVC this afternoon. Upon arrival, they unloaded out of the trailer with ease and enjoyed their first meal at the shelter where they will stay in our care as long as necessary. A very special thank you to Humphrey Giacopuzzi & Associates Equine Hospital, Allie Tashnek DVM, Chris Weber, and Chloe Willems for their commitment and care to animals in need and to all our supporters for believing in us and making rescues like these possible.
Posted by Humane Society of Ventura County on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
It has also helped to rescue horses from fire-hit properties, providing them with veterinary care and safe shelter.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpour of support we have received,” said a HSVC spokesman.
“Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the fires, and we remain committed to helping those animals and their families during this time.
“To those who have animals in our care, we would like to reassure you they are all accounted for and doing well. We will continue to care for your animals as long as need be so please keep yourselves and your families safe.”
The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control and the UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team are among the other organisations helping care for horses and animals affected by the fires.
When diaster strikes, Dr. Madigan never takes a day off. He spent a large portion of yesterday engaged in search and rescue efforts finding the lost souls that hadn't yet found their way to a shelter. VERT donations can be sent through Paypal to jemadigan@ucdavis.edu
Posted by UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team – VERT / MRC on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
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The North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG), which works with emergency agencies and responders to help people and animals in times of crisis, has handled more than 6,000 calls and has over 1,800 animals in its care.
Thank you for the outpouring of support for the work of all-volunteer, all-donation-supported NVADG. We have many teams…
Posted by North Valley Animal Disaster Group on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
“Thank you for the outpouring of support for the work of all-volunteer, all-donation-supported NVADG,” said a spokesman.
“We have many teams behind the fire lines evacuating, feeding and watering animals.
“Veterinarians are with us providing emergency animal care/triage as well. Teams are transferring animals just outside the evacuation road-blocks to emergency response volunteers who are transporting animals to the emergency shelters.
“We appreciate the support of all our partners during this unprecedented fire event.”
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