STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA, February 15, 2018 —
WHAT:
Oklahomans know all too well the terrible toll tornadoes and other disasters can take on families – including thousands of our beloved pets who can often be lost or left behind injured, hungry and frightened in the rubble. To help prepare for the coming storm season, American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, will be staging a dramatic, hands-on basic animal emergency services course for several dozen local first responders. The lifesaving, hands-on two-day course is being funded by a generous grant from the Kirkpatrick Foundation, and will provide training in animal disaster response, including water rescue, fire rescue, pet first aid, large animal rescue, animal sheltering, and decontamination of animals exposed to flood waters, oil and other hazardous substances. Attendees will practice hands-on temporary animal shelter set-up and operation, small animal and horse handling skills, and safe use of a variety of rescue equipment.
WHO:
American Humane disaster response experts Dr. Lesa Staubus and Josh Cary
Members of the Payne County Animal Response Team
Local veterinarians and veterinary technicians
Horses and other animals for training and disaster reenactments
WHERE:
Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
Boren Veterinary Teaching Hospital – Equine Pavilion (just east of the hospital)
2065 W. Farm Road
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
WHEN:
Saturday, February 17: Between 2-3 pm media can cover the creation of a mock shelter using real disaster equipment and live animals.
Sunday, February 18: Around 1 pm, the group will be handling horses and learning how to halter, lead, and capture horses, and move them to safety during disasters.
** Media interested in attending are required to RSVP to [email protected]
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, the group helps ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of some 1 billion animals around the world each year. For more information or to support their life-saving mission, please visit www.americanhumane.org.
