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| Eric Thayer/Getty Images |
Horses stand in a pen as fire threatens the Bonita
neighborhood Oct. 23, 2007 in San Diego, Calif. |
As wildfires continue to engulf Southern California, The Humane Society of the United States, at the request of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services, is assisting in the rescue efforts for the thousands of animals who are in harm's way.
"The situation has become menacing for the residents and animals in the area," said Melissa Rubin, vice president of field services
On Wayne's Blog:
Into the Breach |
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Some areas hardest hit by these fires are home to families with horses. More than a few were unable to evacuate all their animals. I’m told that sometimes the best that people could do was open the gates and let their horses run free—to race ahead of towering flames in a sprint for their lives. More>>
Oct. 24, 2007, 1:30 p.m.
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for The HSUS. "Many residents were able to take their animals with them as they evacuated. Unfortunately, it is much harder to evacuate horses and farm animals. When San Diego Animal Control reached out to us for assistance, we quickly agreed to devote considerable resources to this monumental rescue effort."
Due to their vast experience in large animal handling and in handling animals under severe stress, more than 20 HSUS Disaster Services staff from across the country deployed to California to rescue horses, farm animals and pets affected by the rapidly advancing fires. Within 12 hours of receiving San Diego's request for assistance, members of The HSUS were on the ground assessing the situation and providing animal care assistance.
