Large animal emergency rescue course held

In the event of an accident, emergency or natural disaster, such as hurricanes or other storms, animals of all sizes may need help. That's why the Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare held a Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue course Sept. 8-10 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. The training was conducted by OAW's Delaware Animal Response team in conjunction with the Delaware State Fire School.

The first-of-its-kind course in Delaware prepared volunteers and emergency responders to rescue large animals from dangerous situations, like what has happened in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, when livestock, horses and even dolphins were desperate need of rescue.

"The potential for disasters and emergencies involving large animals and livestock in Delaware is great," said Delaware Animal Response Coordinator Karen Clark. "We feel it is vital to provide our emergency responders with the training, knowledge and expertise to safely handle any large animal and livestock emergency situation that can arise."

Attendees learned about the latest rescue concepts, techniques and equipment with hands-on practice. While the course is designed to concentrate on handling horses during emergency incidents, the skills learned can be applied to assist livestock, exotics and zoo animals. Training sessions included rescues from a barn fire, trench, mud and overturned trailers as well as an evening search.

Funding was provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The program was established in response to lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, when many people would not leave home without their pets, and many pets had to be left behind by those who did evacuate. It became clear that pets must be included in emergency planning for the safety and welfare of all. Congress then passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which requires states to take into account the needs of household and service animals before, during and after an emergency or disaster.

For more information about becoming a Delaware Animal Response program volunteer, contact Karen Clark at 302-242-3594.