With ongoing efforts to control the Southern California wildfires, the focus has now shifted to the animals that have been left behind due to evacuation orders.
The devastating fire has claimed the lives of numerous animals, both wild and domestic. Animal control teams are working tirelessly to rescue and care for the hundreds of lost, injured, and abandoned animals in Los Angeles. Shelters in Los Angeles County are overwhelmed with an influx of cats and dogs seeking refuge.
“I can’t believe how many people we heard say ‘I would never, ever leave my animals behind. I’ll put them in the car,’” said Western Arizona Humane Society Director Patty Gillmore. “Well, a lot of these people had to get out of their cars and run. So if you have one or two pets and children, I hate to say it, but sometimes the animal is last to go.”
In Arizona, compassionate individuals are taking action to protect the animals that have been left behind. The Western Arizona Humane Society, based in Lake Havasu, and a local group called Feral Cat Warriors, in Mohave County, are working tirelessly to save these animals. Their dedicated volunteers and partners have joined forces to alleviate the overcrowding in Los Angeles shelters and create space for the influx of dogs and cats who have been displaced.
“I’ve personally been doing this for over 10 years in several different disaster areas,” said Charles Black with Feral Cat Warriors. “The animals always get overlooked. Everybody rushes in to help the people, yet the animals get overlooked.”
On January 12th, the volunteers embarked on a journey, driving a considerable distance to reach their destination. Undeterred by the late hour, they worked tirelessly throughout the night, successfully rescuing numerous cats and dogs.
“They had so many volunteers and fosters stepping up, it was unbelievable,” said Black.
The ongoing process of this initiative will involve more trips in the coming days. Those involved in the effort are actively seeking volunteers, fosters, food, and donations to support their cause.