When the fire destroyed the flames of Southern California, particularly Eton and Palisade, the community’s response was swift and determined. In addition to efforts to support the victims, an astounding coalition of animal welfare organizations has taken on the action and cared for thousands of pets caught up in the chaos.
Among the most important players were the Pasadena Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society and the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, each of which contributed independently to the emergency response. More than a month after the fire, these organizations shared an update on the ongoing challenges faced by animals and their owners in helping them recover.
Leading animal shelters and care fees
The frontline responder, the Humane Society of Pasadena was important in providing shelter and assistance to evacuated animals. At the height of the crisis, they recovered as many as 1,100 animals, including 567 people boarded the family who worked to find safe housing. The rest were stray animals, many of which were pulled away from their owners during a fast-moving fire.
For now, 201 animals are still waiting for unity with their families. Many of the owners have lost their homes in the fire, but they continue to keep in touch with the shelter. “When the fire started right away, we knew how influential it was in our community, so as an organization, it didn’t matter how long it took. said Kevin McManus, PR and Communications Manager at Pasadena Human.
The shelter set up an online gallery of stray animals in hopes of reuniting their families with pets, providing essential supplies such as pet food to those in need. “I want people to know we’re here for them,” McManus emphasized. “If you have a pet, if you lose it, we’re here for you.”
One of the heartwarming reunions involved Canelo, an unconscious pit bull after the fire. He suffered an injury, including a burned leg, and was taken to Pasadena Humanity for treatment. Thanks to the shelter website, the Canelo owner found him, and the joyful reunion spoke volumes about the power of the community.
“He was so happy, his whole body was shaking and licking the man’s face,” recalls McManus. “It’s all back to the reasons we do what we do, and here for our community, our animals and obviously people.”
For Canelo and other animals in need, Pasadena Humer provided veterinarians completely free of charge for generous donations in an on-site ICU with five veterinarians in place.
In addition to accommodating people in need of shelters, the organization cared for around 1,000 animals in communities that needed food and supplies but did not come to shelters.
The impact of this care was felt throughout the community. “It’s an incredible honor to be able to serve our community when it needs it most,” McManus added.
While most of the animals cared for during the fire were traditional pets, the Pasadena humane received several unexpected guests, including goldfish, pigs, goats and even ponies.
The pony’s owner couldn’t carry him, so he walked the animal all the way from Altadena to the shelter. There he was cared for overnight before being sent to the Equestrian Center in Los Angeles.
Heaven for large animals
Located in the heart of Griffith Park, Los Angeles Equestrian Center served as the official evacuation site during the fire. As the country’s largest local equestrian centre, the centre usually has 500 horses and 500 stables for events.
During the fire, they incorporated over 400 horses and large animals, including donkeys, goats, pigs and cows.
“It’s a privilege to be able to serve in times of crisis,” said Jenny Nevin, executive director of business development and communications at the center. “We have the space and team here, and it’s now possible to provide a safe haven for animals, along with all the volunteers who have come out to ask for help.”
On average, 40 volunteers support the team every day, with many animals reuniting with their families, while 118 horses and 10 other animals still awaiting their owners.
Donations were important to the center’s work as the LA Parks Foundation promoted financial support. “People donated hay, supplies, their time and now they donated financial donations to help us move forward,” Nevin said. “Our hearts are directed at all people in Los Angeles, and we are grateful for this incredible community.”
Nationwide support and relocation efforts
The equestrian centre did not handle transportation, but Best Friends Animal Society is one of the animal welfare organizations that intervened to relocate more than 300 animals on both local ground and planes, and local shelters Freed space for the
Additionally, they transported 1,200 dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters to foster parents and employers.
The organization also provided two pet food pantry and distributed more than 18,000 pounds of pet food to more than 335 families throughout the region.
The collective response from these organizations highlights the resilience of the animal welfare community in Southern California. As these groups continue to support ongoing recovery efforts, their work is a testament to the deep bond between people and their beloved animals, promoting bright places in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire Masu.
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