WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, September 13, 2017 — The American Humane Rescue team, first to serve in saving and sheltering animals for more than 100 years, has now deployed with one of its giant 50-foot animal rescue vehicles to transport animals out of flooded Daytona Beach, Florida in the wake of monster storm Irma. This is the fifth first-responder team and the third rescue vehicle American Humane has mobilized to help animals in Texas, Louisiana and Florida.
The first American Humane Rescue team is working in the Houston area, helping shelter frightened, often emaciated animals displaced by the storm. The second was deployed to the City of Orange Grove, near Corpus Christi, close to where one of the biggest storms in recent history made landfall, working with Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food to deliver 80,000 pounds of free emergency food to animals separated from their families.
The third and fourth American Humane Rescue teams were deployed to help with operations of two “mega-shelters” in Louisiana – many of them “refugees” from the storm in Texas.
Today’s animal transport of shelter animals by the fifth American Humane Rescue team employs the organization’s Northeast emergency vehicle, made possible by the generous support of philanthropist Lois Pope and the Banfield Foundation. America Humane thanks them both deeply.
As emergency responders continue to help people and animals, pet owners need to know that even though the storm has passed, the dangers have not. Here, for all those affected by the Hurricanes, are some important tips from the experts on the American Humane Rescue team:
After the storm
- Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside and assess damage before allowing children or animals out.
- Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier, and children close at hand. Displaced objects and fallen trees can disorient pets and sharp debris could harm them.
- Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost.
- Keep kids and animals away from hazards such as downed power lines and water that may be contaminated.
- Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, presenting new stresses and dangers. Your pet’s behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children or strangers. Animals need comforting, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home.
“Storms like these can be deadly for pets who are separated from their families,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “It is important that every person and pet parent in the path of this destructive storm heed these lifesaving tips. We are working to help all of our friends in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, two- and four-legged alike, stay safe in this disaster.”
“We are pleased to be working with American Humane as relief operations are set in motion,” said Chris Mitchell, CEO, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Pets. “We hope the distribution of food to pets in need will help during these devastating times.”
To support the American Humane Rescue team in its efforts, please visit: www.AmericanHumane.org/Irma.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877, and the first to serve animals in disasters and cruelty cases. Visit American Humane at www.americanhumane.org today.
About the American Humane Rescue program
The American Humane Rescue program was created in 1916 at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War to save war horses wounded on the battlefields of World War I Europe. Since then, Red Star has been rescuing animals of every kind and have been involved in virtually every major disaster relief effort from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, the Japanese and Haitian earthquakes, and Superstorm Sandy. Over just the past dozen years our rescue teams have saved, helped and sheltered more than 80,000 animals.
About Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food
Chicken Soup for the Soul understands the unique relationship between people and pets. Health conscious consumers have been feeding their cats and dogs Chicken Soup for the Soul wholesome and balanced, super premium pet food for over a decade. Holistic in nature, the entire line of products is made from only the finest ingredients: real meats (chicken, turkey, duck and salmon), fruits, vegetables and herbs. With no added corn, wheat, soy, artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives, Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food is inspired by your love for pets, and promotes overall health and well-being for dogs and cats. The products are proudly made in the USA, and feature rescued shelter pets on every bag. Core and grain-free formulas and a line of treats are available in independent pet specialty stores nationwide and online.
A portion of all proceeds from the sale of Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food goes to help shelters and pets in need through Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Fill-a-Bowl … Feed-a-Soul™ program. The program which was launched in association with the American Humane aims to provide a million meals to shelter pets. www.chickensouppets.com
