NEWS

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ASPCA Provides Emergency Funding for Equines in CA Wildfires

Since late October, at least 15 separate wildfires in Southern California have forced the evacuation of over 900,000 people and pets from their homes. Animal welfare officials in the area say evacuees appear to be taking their animals with them and that shelters, especially the Red Cross, have been very accommodating toward pets-but because larger animals, such as horses, can present special challenges, the ASPCA is providing emergency funding to the San Diego Humane Society for hay and other equine supplies needed in this devastated region.

"The ASPCA is happy to provide financial assistance for animals affected by this horrible tragedy," says ASPCA President Ed Sayres. "Our disaster readiness experts are in touch with the San Diego Animal Coalition as well as animal welfare groups throughout the Los Angeles area. We are monitoring the situation carefully."

To those people and organizations wanting to get involved, the ASPCA's Senior Director of National Outreach, Sandy Monterose, says hold your horses-the time to help may not have come just yet. "California pet parents were amazingly well prepared, and many executed disaster plans for themselves and their animals. More aid will be needed when those who have been left homeless return and look to their local organizations for assistance. Those organizations will then need the community's help to provide supplies and services."

To learn more about disaster preparedness, please visit www.ASPCA.org/disaster.