Red Star Animal Emergency Services™

RED STAR EMERGENCY GRANT AIDS SHELTER AFTER DEADLY FIRE

On Nov. 1, 2009, a devastating fire killed more than 100 animals at Centex Humane Society’s Second Chance Animal Shelter in Killeen, Texas. The fire, which began Sunday morning, is believed to be electrical in nature, possibly originating from an appliance in the shelter’s kitchen. None of the animals were burned, but one-third of the shelter’s animal population died from smoke inhalation. Twelve animals that survived the blaze had to be euthanized because of injuries they suffered, something that was extremely difficult for workers and volunteers.

American Humane provided a $1,000 Red Star Emergency Grant to the Second Chance Animal Shelter to help care for the surviving animals. Shelter officials say the shelter will be rebuilt.

“We are very saddened by this tragedy and hope that our grant will help them with some of the expenses they face,” said Debrah Schnackenberg, vice president of American Humane’s Animal Protection Division. “We know they are working toward having a sprinkler system installed, and we believe that all shelters should be equipped with sprinkler systems so tragedies like this can be avoided.”

Red Star Emergency Grant Helps 30 Horses

On May 1, 2009, the Haskell County Sheriff’s Department in Sublette, Kan., received an anonymous tip that there were some malnourished horses on a farm in the northern part of the county. Deputy Donnie Grant and Dr. Dave Sjeklocha of the Haskell County Animal Hospital went to the farm, where they found 30 horses being kept in small pens. The majority of the pens were less than 40 feet in diameter, and each housed one to four horses. Although every pen had a water tank and feeder, most of the feeders were empty and the water tanks were dirty, with one containing a dead bird. Judging by the manure buildup in the pens, along with the hoof condition of the horses, it was clear that the horses had not been out of their pens for several months, if not longer. The owner of the horses lived approximately 30 miles from the farm, and neighbors reported seeing the owner taking care of the horses only once a week.

Although approximately half the horses were in what could be considered good body condition, the rest ranged from thin to nearly emaciated, and one stallion had to be humanely euthanized after being found down in his pen.

The horses were confiscated and taken to a horse farm near Sublette, Kan. Upon arrival, they were fed good quality grass hay and observed closely for several days. Judging by the fighting between the horses, it was clear that they were accustomed to having to fight for their feed, with the dominant horse in each pen getting its share of feed while the rest usually went hungry.

On May 9, the horses were taken to the Haskell County Fairgrounds and restrained in the rodeo arena’s bucking chutes while they were tranquilized so they could be dewormed and have their feet trimmed, vaccinations administered and teeth floated. The horses then returned to the horse farm, where they have been growing accustomed to having ample feed and slowly gaining weight.

American Humane provided a $2,000 Red Star Emergency Grant to the Haskell County Sheriff’s Department to assist with the horses’ care. In addition, members of the community have offered their time and labor -- as well as free or low-cost hay, veterinary services, boarding, hoof trimming, transportation and other services and supplies -- to help the horses grow strong and healthy.

Listen to Haskell County Sheriff Troy Briggs’ account of the rescue on rancher and agricultural activist Trent Loos’ blog (http://www.loostales.blogspot.com/).