Katrina animal rescuers will help strengthen animal disaster preparedness capabilities in South Dakota
Sacramento, CA (April 13, 2006) – South Dakota residents who participated in the Hurricane Katrina animal relief effort will be in Sioux Falls, South Dakota next week to better prepare local authorities and residents to care for animals when disaster strikes.
United Animal Nations (UAN) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), through their Community Animal Disaster Preparedness Partnership, will provide the following activities in conjunction with the South Dakota Animal Control Association (SDACA) training week:
- Open to the public: Low-cost community microchip event. Members of the community can receive permanent microchip identification for their animals for just $20. Appointments are not required and only cash will be accepted. Please bring dogs on leashes and cats and rabbits in carriers.
When: Friday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Sioux Empire Fairgrounds, 4000 W 12th Street [map]
More information: Call (916) 429-2457 or send e-mail to info@redrover.org - Open to the public: Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) volunteer training. Animal lovers will train to join UAN’s 2,600-member strong EARS volunteer corps, which shelters and cares for animals displaced by disasters nationwide. Pre-registration is required.
When: Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To register: Visit www.uan.org, call (916) 429-2457or send e-mail to info@redrover.org - Hands-on mock disaster simulation. Members of SDACA, Code 3 Associates, Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, Sioux Falls Animal Control and UAN will set up a mock disaster relief shelter and EARS volunteers will practice animal intake procedures, microchip scanning and other hands-on activities with dogs, cats and horses. Friday, April 21 from 9 .m. to 2 p.m. at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds.
“Hurricane Katrina underscored the importance of accounting for animal needs during major disasters,” said UAN Program Director Karen Brown. “We are looking forward to spending this week in the Sioux Falls area helping citizens, officials and responders better prepare for the eventuality of a disaster.”
About UAN: 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. Visit. www.uan.org for more information.
About the ASPCA: Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides national leadership in humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, animal behavior center, and adoption facility. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series Animal Precinct on Animal Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.
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