As one of the largest animal response efforts in Colorado’s history continues, American Humane Society is expanding its support alongside the Pueblo County Community Animal Response Team (CART) and local rescue partners by helping care for and reunite hundreds of displaced pets and livestock impacted by the Aspen Acres Fire.
Following over a week supporting the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region’s (HSPPR) emergency pet shelter, American Humane Society’s Rescue Team has transitioned operations to the Colorado State Fairgrounds, where approximately 500 evacuated livestock and farm animals are being temporarily housed.
The operation represents a significant shift in response efforts—from emergency sheltering for companion animals to large-scale livestock care, owner reunification and coordinating safe placement for animals that cannot immediately return home.
“American Humane Society is honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pueblo County and the many heroes working around the clock in this extraordinary response,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “County leaders, first responders, animal welfare organizations and volunteers have come together to mount one of the largest animal response efforts in Colorado’s history; proof of what compassion in action truly looks like. But our work is far from over. As many families begin returning home, we are focused on caring for hundreds of displaced livestock and working urgently to reunite every animal we can with their caregivers. These animals are counting on us, and we will not let them down.”
Since deploying on July 7, American Humane Society has worked alongside HSPPR to provide daily care for displaced companion animals while keeping families connected to their beloved pets during evacuation. During that phase of the response, the Rescue Team helped:
- Care for 169 dogs
- Care for 161 cats
- Help reunite 210 animals with their owners
Beginning Friday, July 17th, the Rescue Team is supporting Pueblo County’s livestock response at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, where evacuated animals currently include horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, donkeys, mules, llamas, alpacas, rabbits and other farm animals. Since late June, CART has worked tirelessly to operate the local livestock shelter, caring for approximately 1,400 animals at its peak.
To provide these exhausted local responders with vital relief, American Humane Society responders have stepped in to continue daily operations in close coordination with local officials. Together, they are managing daily care, conducting welfare assessments, and securing safe, temporary placements for animals waiting to return home.
The transition reflects the changing needs of the disaster as communities move from emergency evacuation toward recovery.
American Humane Society maintains highly trained disaster response teams and specialized rescue equipment strategically positioned across the country, allowing rapid deployment during hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and other emergencies. The organization’s rescue legacy dates back to 1916, when it was asked by the U.S. Secretary of War to care for wounded horses during World War I. Today, that mission continues through emergency sheltering, veterinary support, technical animal rescue and disaster response nationwide.
To learn more about the American Humane Rescue team, please visit americanhumane.org/what-we-do/rescue-and-protect.
About American Humane Society
American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit AmericanHumane.org.
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