California wildfires: how people and rescue groups are coming together to help save pets and wildlife affected by the disaster
Shelters and sanctuaries across the state have opened their doors to help house evacuated animals.
An animal injured by burns being treated at a local shelter. Credit: Pasadena Humane
The ongoing wildfires in California have burned over 40,000 acres, forcing thousands of humans - and animals - to evacuate the affected areas.
Along with tireless work from the fire fighting department, communities have come together to offer help and support to each other.
And that kindness has extended to the many displaced pets, farmed animals, and wildlife affected by the disaster too. Vets have been inundated with animals injured in the fires and by the smoke, while sanctuaries have been opening their doors to give refuge to those displaced.
The Los Angeles Equestrian Center is among those helping out, as it holds an official role as one of the city’s large animal shelters.
The center, located in Griffith Park, already housed approximately 500 horses. But in the last week, it has provided a safe place for an additional 200 horses brought in by evacuees fleeing the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Staff from Best Friends Animal Society coordinate the relocation of shelter animals from LA to outside the state. Credit: Best Friends Animal Society
There have also been pigs, donkeys, and miniature horses, arriving too.
Staff from the center told BBC News that so many volunteers from the local area showed up to help care for the animals that they had to turn some away. Volunteers have helped rake stalls, feed the animals, and help calm the animals if they seemed unsettled.
Meanwhile the Pasadena Humane has taken in over 400 animals since the Eaton fire began.
The group’s chief executive told media outlets that there was a “significant increase” in the number of burned and injured animals coming to its shelter. "These animals are suffering from smoke inhalation, singed paws, burns, dehydration and more,” said Pasadena Humane chief executive Dia DuVernet.
A dog is given a medical check-up at a local shelter. Credit: Pasadena Humane
The Best Friends Animal Society has been coordinating efforts to help alleviate pressure on overrun local shelters in the area. Over the weekend, the organization transported 58 dogs and 26 cats from Los Angeles shelters over to its Utah Sanctuary.
The relocation means that adoptable pets like young orange-and-white kitty Clementine and Picasso the black dog with an “unforgettable” underbite are now safe from the fires in California and are instead up for adoption in Utah.
If you’re able to donate to the ongoing efforts to help care for animals and wildlife affected by the LA fires, you can find out how to help via their websites. Visit Pasadena Humane here, and Best Friends Animal Society here.
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