By Teresa Rochester (Contact)
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The professionals call it human-wildlife interface.
Beverly Thompson calls it downright scary.
The Westlake Village woman was still shaking hours later on Wednesday when she recounted her early morning run-in with five coyotes while walking her Shih Tzus, Goldie and Monty Hall Jr.
"They were so brazen," Thompson said. "I've never seen them so brazen."
Living in this region, it's not uncommon to encounter coyotes that come down from the hills for food and water. However, officials in both Thousand Oaks and the city of Westlake Village said they have not received increased complaints this year.
Thompson's experience began around 6:20 a.m. as she and her dogs strolled down North Shore Lane, in the Westlake Village section of Thousand Oaks. Suddenly, Goldie came to a halt. A moment later Thompson spotted two fast-moving coyotes heading toward them.
She turned around, but not before dispensing pepper spray in the air.
Thompson said 16-year-old Monty Hall Jr. sprang to life.
"He has eye problems and can't hear, and I haven't seen him move that fast in three years," she said.
Thompson was holding Goldie, as the trio rounded a corner only to discover three other coyotes running toward them.
Thompson started shouting "coyote, coyote," as the five bore down on her. A man in a nearby townhome swung open the gate to his backyard and pulled Thompson and her dogs in.
Thompson is understanding of the coyotes' plight.
"They are starving now. They should be doing lifts of food up there," she said referring to the Santa Monica Mountains. "If they are coming in now they are hungry."
Brebda Sanchez, a spokeswoman with Los Angeles County's Department of Animal Care and Control, which Thousand Oaks contracts with for service, said hunger is what drives the bristly-tailed animals into the more populated areas.
"They are probably looking for food and water," said Sanchez adding that coyotes tend to become aggressive when they are protecting their young. "When you see three, you are probably seeing a mother and pups."
Officials in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks said reports of coyote run-ins have held at a steady rate of a couple of phone calls a year. Scott Wolfe, Westlake Village's senior planner, said that several years ago there was a surge in the numbers. Thompson agreed.
California's Department of Fish and Game launched a campaign several years ago called "Keep Them Wild," an effort to educate people about coyotes. They are advised never to feed coyotes deliberately because the animals will get used to coming around, and that puts people and pets in danger. Pets should also be fed indoors and trash cans should have secured lids.
The Department of Fish and Game also recommends that bush and dense weeds around homes be cleared to reduce places where coyotes and rodents can take cover.
Small children should also not be left unattended in areas where coyotes congregate. Small pets should be kept indoors at night. Making loud noises, throwing rocks or spraying them with a garden house can keep coyotes at bay.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Cats suffering in silence with pain of arthritis
CATS have been found for the first time to suffer from arthritis, Scottish researchers have revealed.
Vets previously thought that felines do not suffer from the disease because their symptoms were less prominent than in other species.
But scientists at Glasgow University have now found that as many as 30 per cent of all cats over the age of eight may now be in pain with arthritis, badly affecting their quality of life.
Professor David Bennett, from the university's vet school, said the condition was difficult to diagnose in the pets as they do not limp like dogs and horses - animals traditionally thought to be susceptible to the disease.
Cats also do not normally vocalise their pain in the same way as other creatures.
But Prof Bennett said: "This does not mean that cats suffer from arthritis any less frequently than dogs and other animals. Arthritis is often a very painful condition and it is always difficult to detect and quantify pain in animals, and cats in particular."
There are an estimated nine million cats in the UK, with one-quarter of all households owning at least one of the animals.
Prof Bennett said the key to recognising pain in cats was to check for any lifestyle changes related to mobility.
These include an unwillingness to jump or an inability to jump as high as previously, and a reduction in overall activity.
Reference:News
Vets previously thought that felines do not suffer from the disease because their symptoms were less prominent than in other species.
But scientists at Glasgow University have now found that as many as 30 per cent of all cats over the age of eight may now be in pain with arthritis, badly affecting their quality of life.
Professor David Bennett, from the university's vet school, said the condition was difficult to diagnose in the pets as they do not limp like dogs and horses - animals traditionally thought to be susceptible to the disease.
Cats also do not normally vocalise their pain in the same way as other creatures.
But Prof Bennett said: "This does not mean that cats suffer from arthritis any less frequently than dogs and other animals. Arthritis is often a very painful condition and it is always difficult to detect and quantify pain in animals, and cats in particular."
There are an estimated nine million cats in the UK, with one-quarter of all households owning at least one of the animals.
Prof Bennett said the key to recognising pain in cats was to check for any lifestyle changes related to mobility.
These include an unwillingness to jump or an inability to jump as high as previously, and a reduction in overall activity.
Reference:News
Making shelters 'no-kill' is the only way to truly care for pets
Susan Cosby, chief operating officer, Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association - Philadelphia
The article "Merits of no-kill shelters questioned" reveals the stark challenges animal shelter staff face in saving innocent animals (USATODAY.com, Aug. 12).
(Photo -- To be or not to be? This few-days-old kitten, held at San Antonio’s Animal Care Services, is one of 1,004 cats and dogs taken in by the city-run shelter in a week. / By Eric Gay, AP)
San Antonio's Animal Care Services, which is profiled in the article, should be applauded for trying to end the senseless killing of healthy animals. Sadly, it doesn't seem like many no-kill shelters receive praise.
There are many animal services and organizations that seem to think no-kill shelters are more trouble than they are worth. The truth is, any organization that truly cares about animals must strive to reach the goal of San Antonio's Animal Care Services and become a no-kill shelter.
Rather than becoming an animal warehouse, this organization has a plan and is heeding the successes and failures of other no-kill shelters. It is quite scary when national organizations describe killing animals as the "only humane way to ease overcrowding."
As someone who has faced many of the challenges that the San Antonio shelter is facing, I know that killing friendly, healthy and easily treatable animals is the least humane way to reduce overcrowding. Adoption, foster care, spay/neuter and rescue programs top the killing option by miles.
It will take hard work. It will take involving the community through volunteering and foster care, and it will take a major culture shift, but as the staff at San Antonio's Animal Care Services see the progress, they will find great joy in their work.
Follow Germany's lead
Bobbee Murr - Portland, Ore.
Thanks to the vision and action of many animal services staff and volunteers across the USA, one day, I believe, the killing of homeless pets finally will end. Those working in the animal services field and pet owners need to help the United States match Germany's high standard of keeping healthy animals and those who have treatable conditions alive. It is a moral imperative of humanity to eliminate the shamefully high kill rates at facilities that call themselves "shelters."
Reference:USA Today
The article "Merits of no-kill shelters questioned" reveals the stark challenges animal shelter staff face in saving innocent animals (USATODAY.com, Aug. 12).
(Photo -- To be or not to be? This few-days-old kitten, held at San Antonio’s Animal Care Services, is one of 1,004 cats and dogs taken in by the city-run shelter in a week. / By Eric Gay, AP)
San Antonio's Animal Care Services, which is profiled in the article, should be applauded for trying to end the senseless killing of healthy animals. Sadly, it doesn't seem like many no-kill shelters receive praise.
There are many animal services and organizations that seem to think no-kill shelters are more trouble than they are worth. The truth is, any organization that truly cares about animals must strive to reach the goal of San Antonio's Animal Care Services and become a no-kill shelter.
Rather than becoming an animal warehouse, this organization has a plan and is heeding the successes and failures of other no-kill shelters. It is quite scary when national organizations describe killing animals as the "only humane way to ease overcrowding."
As someone who has faced many of the challenges that the San Antonio shelter is facing, I know that killing friendly, healthy and easily treatable animals is the least humane way to reduce overcrowding. Adoption, foster care, spay/neuter and rescue programs top the killing option by miles.
It will take hard work. It will take involving the community through volunteering and foster care, and it will take a major culture shift, but as the staff at San Antonio's Animal Care Services see the progress, they will find great joy in their work.
Follow Germany's lead
Bobbee Murr - Portland, Ore.
Thanks to the vision and action of many animal services staff and volunteers across the USA, one day, I believe, the killing of homeless pets finally will end. Those working in the animal services field and pet owners need to help the United States match Germany's high standard of keeping healthy animals and those who have treatable conditions alive. It is a moral imperative of humanity to eliminate the shamefully high kill rates at facilities that call themselves "shelters."
Reference:USA Today
From the West Indies to a van in the Borders - rare animals smuggling ring smashed
A SMUGGLING ring bringing endangered tortoises and parrots into the UK has been smashed by wildlife investigators.
The breakthrough came after officials acting on a tip-off stopped a van in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, and discovered 15 of the reptiles and two parrots in cramped conditions.
It is understood the tortoises were being delivered to Scottish addresses after being sold through advertisements and the internet, for prices in excess of £150 each.
Some of the breeds of tortoises recovered from the van, which had travelled from the south of England, are on the verge of extinction.
They had been captured from the wild and brought into Britain to be used in breeding for the pet trade.
But the practice is illegal as they are endangered species.
One investigator said: "This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is a significant development. We expect this discovery will lead to arrests in England.
"There is legal breeding of tortoises and illegal breeding of tortoises and this definitely comes into the latter category.
"They were being delivered to homes throughout Scotland but people are probably unaware that they are breaking the law buying them this way.
"Proper documentation for the tortoises is required from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs and this smuggling is becoming big business and a major problem."
The source added: "Gone are the days of the £2 tortoise being put in the garden to crawl about. The tortoises, some of whom are from breeds which are critically endangered, were not in good condition so this raid was a major success as this practice needs to be stamped out.
"One of the breeds was sub-tropical, coming from the West Indies, so this smuggling venture appears to be worldwide. But we suspect they are being brought in from somewhere in Europe."
The joint operation was conducted by Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Two men were detained after the van was stopped and interviewed before being released. The tortoises are being looked after at SSPCA centres.
Investigators are still establishing how the tortoises, which come from around the world, managed to get into Britain via Europe.
Constable Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer with Lothian and Borders Police, who featured recently in BBC Scotland's documentary Wildlife Detectives, confirmed the operation had taken place in conjunction with the SSPCA. He said 15 tortoises had been recovered.
"Our inquiries are continuing and we hope to be a position to make more arrests soon.
"It is another example of agencies working well together to stamp out wildlife crime," he added.
Doreen Graham, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA, said: "We would ask the Scottish public to help us track information to establish the size of the trade.
"We would like to speak to anyone who has bought any tortoise this year. We would ask them to contact us on 0870 240 4832."
The maximum sentence for being involved in the smuggling and sale of endangered species is two years in prison or a £10,000 fine under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and regulations controlling the trade in endangered species.
This article: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1316362007
A SMUGGLING ring bringing endangered tortoises and parrots into the UK has been smashed by wildlife investigators.
The breakthrough came after officials acting on a tip-off stopped a van in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, and discovered 15 of the reptiles and two parrots in cramped conditions.
It is understood the tortoises were being delivered to Scottish addresses after being sold through advertisements and the internet, for prices in excess of £150 each.
Some of the breeds of tortoises recovered from the van, which had travelled from the south of England, are on the verge of extinction.
They had been captured from the wild and brought into Britain to be used in breeding for the pet trade.
But the practice is illegal as they are endangered species.
One investigator said: "This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is a significant development. We expect this discovery will lead to arrests in England.
"There is legal breeding of tortoises and illegal breeding of tortoises and this definitely comes into the latter category.
"They were being delivered to homes throughout Scotland but people are probably unaware that they are breaking the law buying them this way.
"Proper documentation for the tortoises is required from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs and this smuggling is becoming big business and a major problem."
The source added: "Gone are the days of the £2 tortoise being put in the garden to crawl about. The tortoises, some of whom are from breeds which are critically endangered, were not in good condition so this raid was a major success as this practice needs to be stamped out.
"One of the breeds was sub-tropical, coming from the West Indies, so this smuggling venture appears to be worldwide. But we suspect they are being brought in from somewhere in Europe."
The joint operation was conducted by Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Two men were detained after the van was stopped and interviewed before being released. The tortoises are being looked after at SSPCA centres.
Investigators are still establishing how the tortoises, which come from around the world, managed to get into Britain via Europe.
Constable Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer with Lothian and Borders Police, who featured recently in BBC Scotland's documentary Wildlife Detectives, confirmed the operation had taken place in conjunction with the SSPCA. He said 15 tortoises had been recovered.
"Our inquiries are continuing and we hope to be a position to make more arrests soon.
"It is another example of agencies working well together to stamp out wildlife crime," he added.
Doreen Graham, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA, said: "We would ask the Scottish public to help us track information to establish the size of the trade.
"We would like to speak to anyone who has bought any tortoise this year. We would ask them to contact us on 0870 240 4832."
The maximum sentence for being involved in the smuggling and sale of endangered species is two years in prison or a £10,000 fine under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and regulations controlling the trade in endangered species.
This article: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1316362007
A SMUGGLING ring bringing endangered tortoises and parrots into the UK has been smashed by wildlife investigators.
The breakthrough came after officials acting on a tip-off stopped a van in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, and discovered 15 of the reptiles and two parrots in cramped conditions.
It is understood the tortoises were being delivered to Scottish addresses after being sold through advertisements and the internet, for prices in excess of £150 each.
Some of the breeds of tortoises recovered from the van, which had travelled from the south of England, are on the verge of extinction.
They had been captured from the wild and brought into Britain to be used in breeding for the pet trade.
But the practice is illegal as they are endangered species.
One investigator said: "This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is a significant development. We expect this discovery will lead to arrests in England.
"There is legal breeding of tortoises and illegal breeding of tortoises and this definitely comes into the latter category.
"They were being delivered to homes throughout Scotland but people are probably unaware that they are breaking the law buying them this way.
"Proper documentation for the tortoises is required from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs and this smuggling is becoming big business and a major problem."
The source added: "Gone are the days of the £2 tortoise being put in the garden to crawl about. The tortoises, some of whom are from breeds which are critically endangered, were not in good condition so this raid was a major success as this practice needs to be stamped out.
"One of the breeds was sub-tropical, coming from the West Indies, so this smuggling venture appears to be worldwide. But we suspect they are being brought in from somewhere in Europe."
The joint operation was conducted by Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Two men were detained after the van was stopped and interviewed before being released. The tortoises are being looked after at SSPCA centres.
Investigators are still establishing how the tortoises, which come from around the world, managed to get into Britain via Europe.
Constable Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer with Lothian and Borders Police, who featured recently in BBC Scotland's documentary Wildlife Detectives, confirmed the operation had taken place in conjunction with the SSPCA. He said 15 tortoises had been recovered.
"Our inquiries are continuing and we hope to be a position to make more arrests soon.
"It is another example of agencies working well together to stamp out wildlife crime," he added.
Doreen Graham, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA, said: "We would ask the Scottish public to help us track information to establish the size of the trade.
"We would like to speak to anyone who has bought any tortoise this year. We would ask them to contact us on 0870 240 4832."
The maximum sentence for being involved in the smuggling and sale of endangered species is two years in prison or a £10,000 fine under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and regulations controlling the trade in endangered species.
Reference:news
The breakthrough came after officials acting on a tip-off stopped a van in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, and discovered 15 of the reptiles and two parrots in cramped conditions.
It is understood the tortoises were being delivered to Scottish addresses after being sold through advertisements and the internet, for prices in excess of £150 each.
Some of the breeds of tortoises recovered from the van, which had travelled from the south of England, are on the verge of extinction.
They had been captured from the wild and brought into Britain to be used in breeding for the pet trade.
But the practice is illegal as they are endangered species.
One investigator said: "This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is a significant development. We expect this discovery will lead to arrests in England.
"There is legal breeding of tortoises and illegal breeding of tortoises and this definitely comes into the latter category.
"They were being delivered to homes throughout Scotland but people are probably unaware that they are breaking the law buying them this way.
"Proper documentation for the tortoises is required from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs and this smuggling is becoming big business and a major problem."
The source added: "Gone are the days of the £2 tortoise being put in the garden to crawl about. The tortoises, some of whom are from breeds which are critically endangered, were not in good condition so this raid was a major success as this practice needs to be stamped out.
"One of the breeds was sub-tropical, coming from the West Indies, so this smuggling venture appears to be worldwide. But we suspect they are being brought in from somewhere in Europe."
The joint operation was conducted by Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Two men were detained after the van was stopped and interviewed before being released. The tortoises are being looked after at SSPCA centres.
Investigators are still establishing how the tortoises, which come from around the world, managed to get into Britain via Europe.
Constable Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer with Lothian and Borders Police, who featured recently in BBC Scotland's documentary Wildlife Detectives, confirmed the operation had taken place in conjunction with the SSPCA. He said 15 tortoises had been recovered.
"Our inquiries are continuing and we hope to be a position to make more arrests soon.
"It is another example of agencies working well together to stamp out wildlife crime," he added.
Doreen Graham, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA, said: "We would ask the Scottish public to help us track information to establish the size of the trade.
"We would like to speak to anyone who has bought any tortoise this year. We would ask them to contact us on 0870 240 4832."
The maximum sentence for being involved in the smuggling and sale of endangered species is two years in prison or a £10,000 fine under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and regulations controlling the trade in endangered species.
This article: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1316362007
A SMUGGLING ring bringing endangered tortoises and parrots into the UK has been smashed by wildlife investigators.
The breakthrough came after officials acting on a tip-off stopped a van in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, and discovered 15 of the reptiles and two parrots in cramped conditions.
It is understood the tortoises were being delivered to Scottish addresses after being sold through advertisements and the internet, for prices in excess of £150 each.
Some of the breeds of tortoises recovered from the van, which had travelled from the south of England, are on the verge of extinction.
They had been captured from the wild and brought into Britain to be used in breeding for the pet trade.
But the practice is illegal as they are endangered species.
One investigator said: "This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is a significant development. We expect this discovery will lead to arrests in England.
"There is legal breeding of tortoises and illegal breeding of tortoises and this definitely comes into the latter category.
"They were being delivered to homes throughout Scotland but people are probably unaware that they are breaking the law buying them this way.
"Proper documentation for the tortoises is required from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs and this smuggling is becoming big business and a major problem."
The source added: "Gone are the days of the £2 tortoise being put in the garden to crawl about. The tortoises, some of whom are from breeds which are critically endangered, were not in good condition so this raid was a major success as this practice needs to be stamped out.
"One of the breeds was sub-tropical, coming from the West Indies, so this smuggling venture appears to be worldwide. But we suspect they are being brought in from somewhere in Europe."
The joint operation was conducted by Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Two men were detained after the van was stopped and interviewed before being released. The tortoises are being looked after at SSPCA centres.
Investigators are still establishing how the tortoises, which come from around the world, managed to get into Britain via Europe.
Constable Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer with Lothian and Borders Police, who featured recently in BBC Scotland's documentary Wildlife Detectives, confirmed the operation had taken place in conjunction with the SSPCA. He said 15 tortoises had been recovered.
"Our inquiries are continuing and we hope to be a position to make more arrests soon.
"It is another example of agencies working well together to stamp out wildlife crime," he added.
Doreen Graham, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA, said: "We would ask the Scottish public to help us track information to establish the size of the trade.
"We would like to speak to anyone who has bought any tortoise this year. We would ask them to contact us on 0870 240 4832."
The maximum sentence for being involved in the smuggling and sale of endangered species is two years in prison or a £10,000 fine under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and regulations controlling the trade in endangered species.
This article: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1316362007
A SMUGGLING ring bringing endangered tortoises and parrots into the UK has been smashed by wildlife investigators.
The breakthrough came after officials acting on a tip-off stopped a van in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, and discovered 15 of the reptiles and two parrots in cramped conditions.
It is understood the tortoises were being delivered to Scottish addresses after being sold through advertisements and the internet, for prices in excess of £150 each.
Some of the breeds of tortoises recovered from the van, which had travelled from the south of England, are on the verge of extinction.
They had been captured from the wild and brought into Britain to be used in breeding for the pet trade.
But the practice is illegal as they are endangered species.
One investigator said: "This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is a significant development. We expect this discovery will lead to arrests in England.
"There is legal breeding of tortoises and illegal breeding of tortoises and this definitely comes into the latter category.
"They were being delivered to homes throughout Scotland but people are probably unaware that they are breaking the law buying them this way.
"Proper documentation for the tortoises is required from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs and this smuggling is becoming big business and a major problem."
The source added: "Gone are the days of the £2 tortoise being put in the garden to crawl about. The tortoises, some of whom are from breeds which are critically endangered, were not in good condition so this raid was a major success as this practice needs to be stamped out.
"One of the breeds was sub-tropical, coming from the West Indies, so this smuggling venture appears to be worldwide. But we suspect they are being brought in from somewhere in Europe."
The joint operation was conducted by Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Two men were detained after the van was stopped and interviewed before being released. The tortoises are being looked after at SSPCA centres.
Investigators are still establishing how the tortoises, which come from around the world, managed to get into Britain via Europe.
Constable Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer with Lothian and Borders Police, who featured recently in BBC Scotland's documentary Wildlife Detectives, confirmed the operation had taken place in conjunction with the SSPCA. He said 15 tortoises had been recovered.
"Our inquiries are continuing and we hope to be a position to make more arrests soon.
"It is another example of agencies working well together to stamp out wildlife crime," he added.
Doreen Graham, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA, said: "We would ask the Scottish public to help us track information to establish the size of the trade.
"We would like to speak to anyone who has bought any tortoise this year. We would ask them to contact us on 0870 240 4832."
The maximum sentence for being involved in the smuggling and sale of endangered species is two years in prison or a £10,000 fine under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and regulations controlling the trade in endangered species.
Reference:news
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
UAN Offers Pet Safety Tips for Hawaii Residents in Path of Hurricane Flossie
SACRAMENTO, CA (August 14, 2006) – As Hurricane Flossie approaches Hawaii, United Animal Nations (UAN) is encouraging residents to keep their pets safe during the severe weather by taking the following steps:
Bring all pets indoors. Pets left to fend for themselves in high winds and heavy rain can get injured, lost or die.
Comfort animals and provide distraction. If your pet is scared, providing familiar toys, treats and a quiet place to rest, such as a carrier or crate, may provide a sense of security and comfort.
Assemble an animal disaster kit that includes food, water, medications, a leash or cat carrier, and photos of the animal(s). This kit will prove useful if roads are blocked, stores are closed or residents must evacuate.
Make sure all pets have an identification tag and permanent microchip so they can be found easily if lost or separated.
Identify potential pet-friendly evacuation locations in advance. A searchable database of pet-friendly accommodations is available at www.petswelcome.com or www.petfriendlyhotelsandtravel.com. Residents wanting to find pet-friendly shelters in their community can also call their local American Red Cross chapter or their county Civil Defense Agency.
Through its volunteer-driven Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS), UAN provides free emergency sheltering and disaster relief services for animals in communities that become overwhelmed by natural disasters or other crises. Since 1987, UAN has responded to 70 disasters, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005. With more than 3,400 EARS volunteers in the United States and Canada, UAN can provide the following services to communities in need:
Set up and operate temporary animal relief shelters
Evacuate animals from a disaster site
Rescue abandoned and stranded animals
Feed and care for displaced animals
Transport animals and coordinate veterinary care
Distribute food and supplies to the community
Reunite lost animals with their caregivers and find permanent new homes for unclaimed animals
Emergency management and animal control agencies in the state of Hawaii
can call United Animal Nations at (916) 429-2457 for assistance with animal-related issues.
Now celebrating its 20th year, United Animal Nations (UAN) is North America ’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals.
Bring all pets indoors. Pets left to fend for themselves in high winds and heavy rain can get injured, lost or die.
Comfort animals and provide distraction. If your pet is scared, providing familiar toys, treats and a quiet place to rest, such as a carrier or crate, may provide a sense of security and comfort.
Assemble an animal disaster kit that includes food, water, medications, a leash or cat carrier, and photos of the animal(s). This kit will prove useful if roads are blocked, stores are closed or residents must evacuate.
Make sure all pets have an identification tag and permanent microchip so they can be found easily if lost or separated.
Identify potential pet-friendly evacuation locations in advance. A searchable database of pet-friendly accommodations is available at www.petswelcome.com or www.petfriendlyhotelsandtravel.com. Residents wanting to find pet-friendly shelters in their community can also call their local American Red Cross chapter or their county Civil Defense Agency.
Through its volunteer-driven Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS), UAN provides free emergency sheltering and disaster relief services for animals in communities that become overwhelmed by natural disasters or other crises. Since 1987, UAN has responded to 70 disasters, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005. With more than 3,400 EARS volunteers in the United States and Canada, UAN can provide the following services to communities in need:
Set up and operate temporary animal relief shelters
Evacuate animals from a disaster site
Rescue abandoned and stranded animals
Feed and care for displaced animals
Transport animals and coordinate veterinary care
Distribute food and supplies to the community
Reunite lost animals with their caregivers and find permanent new homes for unclaimed animals
Emergency management and animal control agencies in the state of Hawaii
can call United Animal Nations at (916) 429-2457 for assistance with animal-related issues.
Now celebrating its 20th year, United Animal Nations (UAN) is North America ’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals.
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