American Humane Calls for Volunteers to Serve on Animal Rescue and Relief Team
Equestrian News Release
DENVER, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association is calling for volunteers to participate in a two-day training in May and join its Animal Rescue and Relief Team, which addresses the needs of a community's animals when disaster strikes.
Since the program was initiated to aid injured horses and dogs serving in World War I, American Humane's Emergency Animal Services has trained volunteers to assist animal victims of tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, blizzards, and other disasters. These dedicated volunteers fulfill vital tasks such as temporary animal shelter setup and management, interagency incident command coordination, animal rescue and care, media relations, and food and supply collection and distribution.
"When disaster strikes a community, companion animals often become separated from their families and are at risk for serious injury," says Marie Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. "American Humane's Emergency Animal Services ensures that these animals are returned quickly and unharmed to the families whose lives have been devastated as the result of natural and manmade disasters. We're thrilled to improve our capabilities by providing this training to volunteers who will join the team."
In addition to the training, American Humane has recently renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the American Red Cross in order respond to the needs of animals during and in the aftermath of disasters. The Memorandum works to co-locate animal shelters alongside those established for people displaced by disasters. Statistics show that 62% of American households include animals as part of the family. And, 80% of those who return to dangerous disaster scenes do so to rescue the family pet, putting themselves and first responders in grave danger. By co-locating human and animal shelters families can stay together and stay safe.
With the support of the PETCO Foundation, this training is offered free of charge and scheduled from 8 am - 4 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, May 11 and 12, 2005, at American Humane headquarters, 63 Inverness Drive, East, Englewood, Colorado 80112. Space is limited. To register or learn more, contact annag@americanhumane.org or call 800-227-4645.
American Humane
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the nation's only organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal welfare and protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curriculum, and trainings to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human and animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed ... "(R) End Credit Disclaimer on TV and film productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, DC, is an advocate for child- and animal- friendly legislation at the state and federal levels. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
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