Animal Service Organizations and Community Commended for Animal Rescue Response during Angora Fire

El Dorado County Animal Control would like to extend its sincere thanks to several animal service organizations and the community for their efforts to assist animals affected by the Angora Fire near South Lake Tahoe. “Our thoughts are with our friends, neighbors and animals that have been impacted by the Angora Fire,” said Henry Brzezinski, El Dorado County Chief Animal Control Officer. “We are grateful to all of our community partners for their help in making this animal evacuation a success.”

Since the fire broke out on June 24, Animal Control response and recovery efforts have concentrated on: Housing animals for persons displaced by the fire; responding to resident requests to retrieve animals from evacuated areas; and, feeding animals that remained at residences until the owners were allowed to return. “Rescue efforts have been remarkable. It really took a coordinated, team effort,” stated Brzezinski. “We were fortunate in that many pet owners took their animals with them when they were evacuated. It was also helpful that motels allowed pets to stay in their rooms during the evacuations.”

According to Brzezinski, several agencies played a role in response efforts and provided much needed assistance and support throughout the duration of the fire. As of July 2, the following are a list of successes that came about as a result of the combined efforts:

* A total of 17 dogs, 16 cats, three birds and two fish, were rescued from areas threatened by fire.
* Numerous animals and owners were reunited.
* Noah’s Wish Disaster Response Team processed and housed over 80 owned animals at their temporary facility set up behind Sierra Animal Hospital. 
* Four Paws Grooming and Boarding facility and Incline Pet Network also took in displaced animals.
* In addition to maintaining regular field service calls, Animal Control officers responded to 30 calls for service in the affected areas, including a call for assistance from Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care concerning an injured bear and a stray bear cub.
* Throughout the recovery period, Animal Control will continue to patrol for stray animals in the fire and evacuation affected areas and will continue to provide extra services, including trapping.

Other agencies that provided assistance with evacuation and recovery efforts include: Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, City of Sacramento Animal Services, Amador County Animal Control, and the Humane Society of the United States. 

Brzezinski also expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of donations from caring individuals and businesses near and far. Donations have come in the form of food, cat litter, toys, and cash donations that will serve the animals from the Angora fire. “I want to give a special thanks to the public for their generous donations and continued support of Animal Control services in El Dorado County,” said Brzezinski.

For more information on animal control services or to make a donation, please contact El Dorado County Animal Control Shelter at (530) 577-1766 in South Lake Tahoe, (530) 621-5795 in Placerville or online at www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/animalcontrol. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT:
July 5 , 2007


Henry Brzezinski

(530) 621-5797